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"I am here to show the strong US support for Greece," said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, after meeting with her Greek counterpart Stavros Lambrinidis. 

She also stressed that U.S. support the government's determination to return the economy on track and make it competitive. "I have faith in the power of the Greek people, who in the past have inspired the world", she said. 

“The decisions that Papandreou’s government had to make were not easy. However, we support his determination for the reforms. The consequences of inaction would be much worse than today's problems ", said U.S. Secretary of State. 

"Papandreou’s government is on the right path, that of reforms, which will make Greece more competitive", added Mrs. Clinton. 

As to the issue of the crisis, which was one of the main statements of the two Ministers to the media, Mrs. Clinton said that legislation, enabled the country's competitiveness and made it more attractive to investors, who seek transparency and protection of intellectual property. 

In turn, Mr. Lambrinidis said that Greece values the U.S. support at this difficult time when many are betting on the collapse of Greece and Europe. 

The Minister also stressed that Mrs. Clinton is a friend of Greece and Hellenism, creating strong relationships of trust with the Greek diaspora in America. 

The Greek diplomat pointed out that on one hand the crisis requires systematic effort by Greece, but on the other, the demonstration of European solidarity, "a message which got almost lost, but thankfully survived", he said. 

As mentioned by Mr. Lambrinidis, the American secretary of state and him also discussed the opportunities provided by Greece for foreign investment, the situation in the Middle East, the issue with Cyprus, the Balkans and the Greek-Turkish relations. 

In particular on the Cyprus issue, the Greek foreign minister stressed his belief that "progress is attainable and we should strive towards it", and added that a necessary condition is also the will of Turkey. 

Finally, Mrs. Clinton spoke of the difficulties the international community is facing on a wide range of issues and mentioned in particular: 

a) the events in Libya and expressed her gratitude to Greece for "its willingness to accept the Allied forces in Sudan" and 

b) the alarming events in Syria, expressing her respect for the shown Greek solidarity in regards to the U.S. in connection with the attack on their embassy in Damascus. 

As to the issue of Gaza (where the Greek humanitarian aid through the UN is significant), she stressed that there is a "common position" and expressed her positive assessment of the the position of Papandreou’s government on the issue of the processes of EU accession in Western Balkans. 

The meeting with the Prime Minister was conducted in friendly atmosphere

U.S. Secretary of State later met with the Greek Prime Minister. Arriving in Mr. Papandreou’s office, Mrs. Clinton delivered greetings from her family, which were followed by a friendly dialogue in front of the cameras. 

In particular, Hillary Clinton showed special interest in a painting by Theodoros Stamos "Infinite Field-Delphi," which adorns the prime minister's office and answering the question of American journalist for the participation of USA women's national football team in World Cup final tonight against Japan, she said she was enthusiastic and said that Vice President John Biden and her daughter Chelsea will be cheering at the stadium in Frankfurt, to support their team. 

Karolos Papoulias: U.S. is a friendly country 

After meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, Hillary Clinton arrived on foot in the presidency, where she met with President of Greece Karolos Papoulias. 

"We welcome you with joy as a foreign minister of a friendly country with which Greece maintains historical ties", said Mr. Papoulias greeting the U.S. Secretary of State. 

"Thank you for being with us in this difficult moment for Greece", he added, once again thanking Barack Obama for "his help in difficult moments." "For his action in terms of Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, and that continues to take an interest, in order for us to be able to live through this very difficult period for the Greek people", the Greek president added. 

For her part, Mrs. Clinton once again confirmed the support of the U.S. government for the efforts of Greece to get out of the crisis, expressing optimism about the prospects of the country. 

"I am here to confirm once again the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries", she said. 

"I share your optimism, because despite the hard times and harsh decisions, Greece is now on a road that will be very positive with regard to its future development and prosperity. Some painful sacrifices will be needed, but I am optimistic with regard to the resilience and genius of the Greek people ", she said in conclusion. 

Upcoming is a meeting between the U.S. Secretary of State and Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos. 

On Monday, Hillary Clinton is expected to meet with the leader of the opposition party New Democracy, Antonis Samaras.