Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras referred to the economic crisis experienced by the Greek and Irish peoples, as he received visiting Irish president, Michael D. Higgins, at Maximos Mansion on Thursday.

Tsipras said the Greek people perhaps have suffered more in the crisis than the Irish, a remark Higgins agreed with.

Higgins said that when he recalled this period, he understood the importance of a social Europe and the need for social cohesion between the member states.

The existence of a social Europe is of fundamental importance, Higgins said, adding that there must be close cooperation with the participation of the peoples of Europe.

“Restoring trust should be a top priority,” said Higgins.

He also noted that Europeans have a common future and should further deepen their relations at the economic, social and cultural levels.

“We must do things together,” he said, before the start of a meeting with Tsipras.

Earlier, Higgins met Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos where he called for the termination of austerity, adding that mistakes had been made at the expense of the Greek people.

He also condemned economic models that have not been tested in society, noting that “we need to link the reality in the EU with a social vision”.

Higgins is on a three-day state visit to Greece and will travel to a refugee camp outside Athens on Saturday.

Source:AMNA

Source: http://greece.greekreporter.com/category/greek-news/tourism/