Mr. Hollande arrived at the Greek Parliament accompanied by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, while President of the Greek Parliament Nikos Voutsis and President of Hellenic Republic welcomed him.

The President of Greek Parliament Nikos Voutsis expressed its condolences on behalf of the Parliament for the tragic accident occurred in France causing the death of 42 people.

Addressing President Hollande, Mr. Voutsis said: “Mr. President, I welcome you as a partner and as a friend of the country. Your presence signals the further strengthening of the relations between the two countries” adding that “the vast majority of the Greek people have made great sacrifices and that was neither their chose nor their fault. The policy of austerity and restriction of rights must be defeated”.

“I want to express the support of France to Greece to its efforts to overcome the crisis and return to economic growth,” French President Francois Hollande said while addressing the Greek Parliament as part of its two-day visit’s schedule.

“Over the last six years you have experienced a major crisis. What I am saying to you is not sympathy but a strong partnership,” Mr. Hollande said and referred to the developments following the agreement of July 13^th.

He stressed that solidarity was what was needed so as to move forward. “There was the agreement of July 13th, I know what has been discussed about this agreement, but you accepted it, you believed in the European idea and you did not hear those who advised you of a temporarily exit from Europe,” he noted.

“You defended your national sovereignty without becoming nationalists” Mr. Hollande added.

During his speech, Mr. Hollande referred to the long-lasting friendship between the two countries and concluded by saying “Long live Greece, long live France, long live friendship”.