Lithuanian president accepts letters of credence from Greek ambassador

President Dalia Grybauskaitė accepted letters of credence from Greek Ambassador Iraklis Asteriadis on Tuesday. The president and the ambassador discussed cooperation between Lithuania and Greece within the European Union as well as other topical bilateral issues, the presidential press service said.

Presentation of credentials by Ambassador Iraklis Asteriadis of Greece. Official photos by Robertas Dačkus

Speaking about the debt crisis in Greece, the president underlined that it was important for the Greek government to overcome domestic instability - to assume responsibility, to deliver on its commitments and to implement reforms in a consistent way.

The president pointed out that Greece was struggling with the burden of an excessive inflow of refugees; therefore the European Union needs to stand united in dealing with this crisis. Lithuania is ready to contribute to the relocation of asylum seekers on a voluntary basis.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė invited the ambassador to deepen and expand relations between Lithuania and Greece, especially in business and tourism, and to enhance the image of Greece in Lithuania.

Iraklis Asteriadis is a law graduate. He started to work at the Foreign Ministry of Greece in 1982, serving in embassies in Canada, Syria, Egypt, as well as at the permanent mission to the United Nations. He headed directorates for energy and NATO. In 2008 he was appointed ambassador to Jordan. From 2012 until his appointment to Lithuania, Iraklis Asteriadis was ambassador in Strasbourg.