Monday, July 23, 2012
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras had a private meeting with former USA President Bill Clinton yesterday. Bill Clinton visited Greece as a representative of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), a NPO aiming at forging solutions "to the world’s most pressing challenges," in order to promote the Hellenic Initiative, a project by Greek-American businessmen who want to facilitate foreign investment and raise $100 million to help charities active in Greece. During a 45-minute meeting, Samaras and Clinton discussed the state of Greek economy as well as ways to exit the crisis and attract investments.
Samaras assured Clinton of the government’s intention to proceed promptly with the necessary structural reforms, while also stressing the need for solidarity and support towards the country. Clinton spoke highly of Greece’s "rich culture and resources", expressing confidence in the country’s future. He congratulated the coalition government for its efforts and assured it of the CGI’s intention to offer support and help.
After their private meeting, the two men were joined by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Finance Giannis Stournaras and Development Kostis Hatzidakis and a group of Hellenic Initiative founding members. Clinton later addressed a roundtable discussion organized by the Hellenic Initiative, focusing on international collaborations that can support long-term development and economic growth in Greece.