Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (R) shakes hands with French President Francois Hollande at Maximos mansion before their meeting in Athens, Greece, Oct. 23, 2015. French President Francois Hollande started a two-day official visit to Greece on Thursday, voicing a clear message of support to efforts to pull the country out of the six-year debt crisis and back on the path to economic growth. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
by Maria Spiliopoulou
ATHENS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande started the second and final day of his official visit here on Friday by reaffirming France's strong support to Greece's reform drive to overcome the debt crisis and reiterating the need for start of dialogue on debt relief once the Greeks meet bailout commitments.
"France has always stood by Greece's side... I welcome the decision of Greek people and the Greek government to take a responsible stance to stay in the euro zone," Hollande said after talks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras during a joint press conference.
The statements were broadcast live by national television broadcaster ERT despite a 24-hour strike called by media unions.
The French leader stressed that Greece is an integral part of Europe and called on both Athens and international creditors to honor their pledges so that after the conclusion of the first bailout review next month talks on debt relief start.
Europe should show solidarity with Greece to address both the economic as well as the escalating refugee crises, the French head of state said, urging for a European comprehensive solution to the escalating refugee crisis and a political resolution to the Syrian conflict.
The Greek Premier on his part expressed Greece's gratitude for France's support and underlined that Greece will meet its obligations to end talks on Grexit.
"The message of our meeting should be that the silly debate over a possible Grexit and dissolution of the euro zone must be put off the table," Tsipras said, warning however that the country will not accept "excessive" demands.
"Greece signed a deal it will honor. It did not sign an agreement to give up its sovereignty," he stressed.
The two leaders also expressed their condolences to the families of the more than 40 people who died in a road accident near Bordeaux in south- western France early Friday.
The meeting at the Greek Prime Minister's office closed with the signing of a declaration of strategic partnership which will be the basis of upgraded collaboration in several fields in future bilateral relations.
The declaration foresees the further strengthening of trade ties and investment cooperation in areas such as new technologies, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, education and culture and research.
In addition, France will provide know-how to Greece in the sectors of public administration, taxation, reforms and management of public assets.
Later on Friday the French head of state was due to deliver a speech in the Greek parliament, visit the new Acropolis museum and be titled Emeritus Professor of the Athens University.
