Mr.Lakatzis introduces his spouse to S.Katanandov
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The history of modern relations between Greece and Karelia began in 2003 when the agreement on mutually advantageous cooperation was signed. This January under Sergey Katanandov's invitation the delegation of the Greek prefecture of Ilia has visited our republic. Then plans of bilaterial relations and prospects of their development in various spheres were planned.
The Consul General of Greece in Saint Petersburg Ioannis Lakatzis who has arrived with the official visit has named Karelia the leader of regional cooperation. The basic purpose of the visit is acquaintance to the leaders of the republic and strengthening the planned cooperation. During his trip the Greek diplomat is accompanied by his spouse. During the meeting with the Head of Karelia Mr.Lakatzis had noted that the Greek party is interested in developing cooperation in the field of education, tourism, woodworking and shipbuilding. Besides, the Greek diplomat is ready to assist in development of programs and projects of regional cooperation which could be maintained by the European Union.
Already now the government of Greece has allocated four grants to students of northwest high schools of Russia for training to the Greek language at the Athenian university. One of grants has got to student PetrSU. Besides, Ioannis Lakatzis has offered to establish sister-cities' relations between Petrozavodsk and the Greek city of Patra.
At the meeting
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S.Katanandov at the meeting
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Today the consulate of Greece gives free-of-charge visas to Leningrad defenders. At the meeting wishes to introduce similar privilege for youth of Karelia were stated. Now the group of children of our republic went for a vacation to Greece. It is planned that at the end of August the delegation of the republic will pay the official visit to the prefecture of Ilia.
The Head of the Republic has called businessmen of Greece to invest in creation of new manufactures: "We are actively trying to modernize the economy, therefore we need partners and cooperation with Europe. We have already got some business and ideas for cooperation with the Scandinavian concerns," - S.Katanandov has told.
The Head of the Republic has warmly responded on the activity of Ellada cultural society having called a Greek island in Karelia. During the conversation the parties have mentioned the Olympic Games held in Greece. Sergey Katanandov has presented the Greek diplomat a "cheburashka" - a talisman of the combined Olympic team of Russia.
Saying goodbye, the diplomat has promised to journalists: "I am not only first Greek consul of St.Peterburga who visited Karelia, but also I'll be the first Greek who will come here for a vacation."
Alexander Smirnov
Photo of the author
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