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PM Karamanlis arrives in Paris for talks with French President Sarkozy on Monday

30/07/2007 13:44
Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis arrived in Paris on Sunday afternoon for talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy Monday at the Elysee Palace.

Karamanlis will be arriving for the meeting at 12:30 while talks are expected to focus on European Union policies with emphasis on the EU Reform Treaty, the prospects of further EU enlargement, Turkey, European policies in Western Balkans, European energy policy, the common handling of climate change and the problem of immigration. The two leaders will also discuss the French proposal for the founding of a Mediterranean Union and Middle East developments.

On a bilateral level, further reinforcement of economic ties will be discussed, while the two sides will explore ways of cooperation in the handling of fires and their consequences.

After the talks, President Sarkozy will host a working luncheon for the Greek prime minister followed by a press conference of the two leaders.

At 09:30, Karamanlis will meet with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon at Matignon Mansion.

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis will be present at both meetings.

At 19:00, the Greek premier will be meeting with former French president Valery Giscard d'Estaing.

In a separate programme on Monday, Foreign Minister Bakoyannis will meet at 18:00 her French counterpart Bernard Kouchner for talks centred on European, regional and bilateral issues. Emphasis is expected to be given on Kosovo and the Middle East.