Greek ambassador in Atlanta to promote business ties

Greece's ambassador to the United States traveled to Atlanta to promote ties between Athens and Atlanta, two cities that he says share more than Olympics experience. "As Atlanta is the gate to the Southeast, Greece is the gate for investment and business for southern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean," said Alexandros Mallias, who arrived Sunday for a three-day visit.

Photo: Greek ambassador in Atlanta to promote business ties

He said infrastructure built for the Olympics, hosted by Atlanta in 1996 and Athens in 2004, can help business and trade flourish. The ambassador plans to meet Gov. Sonny Perdue and members of the state Legislature. He also said he will meet officials from Delta Air Lines Inc., which is scheduled to begin nonstop service to Athens in May.

Mallias also plans to speak about a possible partnership with officials from the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, whose collection of ancient art, with objects from Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Near East, and the Americas, is considered the largest in the southeast United States.

Less than two months ago, Mallias and other diplomats came to Atlanta to donate $85,000 ( Ђ 71,237) to help build homes for Hurricane Katrina victims. The funds mostly were raised through a charity jazz concert held in Athens, Greece, reports the AP.

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