PARIS, July 31 (UPI) -- Economic links between France and Greece and the countries' common problem of wild fires this summer were at the center of talks between their leaders.
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis visited President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris for their first meeting since the French election, Kathimerini reported. The two met Monday at the Elysee Palace.
"Greece is a strategic partner in the economy, defense and the prospect of European integration," Sarkozy said.
France is already a major force in the Greek economy, with more investment and employees than any other country.
Sarkozy also suggested the two countries should also head an effort to create a trans-national firefighting force for the Mediterranean rim. Karamanlis proposed the European Union could be a vehicle for the effort.
