ATHENS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Memoranda of Understanding for Cooperation in the sectors of armaments and defense industries, as well as for cooperation with the Athens Multinational Sealift Coordination Center were signed by the two defense ministers of Greece and Slovak here on Tuesday.

    The memoranda were signed when Greek President Karolos Papoulias met his Slovak counterpart Ivan Gasparovic at his residence, who is on a three-day visit to Greece.

    Papoulias said after the meeting that they discussed bilateral and European issues, underlining that the EU has an obligation to its principles and history to contribute to the creation of a new global economic system that will guarantee transparency and development.

    Papoulias also stated that he briefed his Slovak counterpart on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.

    Slovak President Gasparovic pointed out that the bilateral contacts should become more frequent. He added that there is stillroom for cooperation in the sectors of economy, commerce, culture and education, noting that Greece is gradually becoming the most popular vacation destination for Slovak tourists.

    Gasparovic also said that they discussed the potential for more Greek investments in Slovakia, mainly in the sector of services and the exploitation of his country's mineral springs, while pointing out that they shared the same views on EU enlargement issues.

    Cooperation with Russia, both at bilateral and EU level, was also discussed and they agreed that it should be further strengthened.