Greek PM says trips to China, Azerbaijan positive

Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Tuesday briefed President Karolos Papoulias on his recent visits to China and Azerbaijan, describing the trips as positive. Samaras said the results of the two trips were very positive, as reflected on a series of agreements signed, and more would follow. The government's goal is to "create opportunities for investments in order to reduce unemployment, in particular among youth," he said. During a speech at an event of the Union of Greek Shipowners a few hours earlier, Samaras reiterated, "Greece can become China's gateway to Europe," praising the investment model of China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO) in the Greek port of Piraeus. The Greek prime minister paid an official visit to China on May 15-19. Leaders of the two countries vowed to boost cooperation. On his way back, he visited Azerbaijan last Sunday.