STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA AFTER MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Date: May 28, 2011

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement after meeting with Prime Minister George Papandreou of the Hellenic Republic:

“It is a real inspiration to be once again in this beautiful city, rightly called the cradle of democracy.

“First I’d like to thank Prime Minister Papandreou for his gracious hospitality. There are strong people-to-people connections between Greece and Canada as symbolised by our delegation here today, and they are of course cemented by more than a quarter of a million Canadians who have a Greek connection; in fact, probably significantly more than that.

“The Prime Minister and I had wide-ranging discussions. Naturally, economic challenges, especially those regarding job creation and growth, were of particular interest, as was the situation here in Greece.

“These are complex matters with a range of options. We have every confidence that full consideration will lead to appropriate decisions, and international cooperation will be essential to success.

“Canada and Greece have recently signed a double taxation agreement. Canada is also appreciative of Greece’s role in the fast track negotiations toward a comprehensive economic trade agreement between Canada and the European Union.

“Our discussions paid particular attention to a number of international subjects, including, obviously, developments in the Middle East and North Africa.

“Finally, I’m pleased to announce that today our two governments have signed a Youth Mobility Agreement, which will strengthen ties between Canada and Greece for generations to come.

“Thank you.”