ATHENS — "Issues of international and bilateral interest are on the agenda of the talks between Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio," government spokesperson Stelios Petsas said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

"An agreement on the delimitation of the maritime zones between the two countries is expected to be signed," he added, underlining that this was "a development of historic significance for our country."

As for developments related to the coronavirus, he said:"We still have a way to go on the bridge toward the new normality."

"If we relax, we will pay for it," he explained. "One month after the lockdown was lifted, the country's epidemiological picture remains good. But it does not reassure us. We are not done with the coronavirus. We turn our attention with the same intensity both inwards and outwards. We will multiply the tests for the coronavirus. The tests have already exceeded 226,000 to date. We placed special emphasis on areas with a heavy epidemiological burden, such as the area of Xanthi, where 3,013 tests were performed in the last few days, and from these tests, 29 cases were detected, most of which were asymptomatic," he added.

"In terms of arrivals from abroad until June 15, we still apply universal tests for all flights. From these extensive checks, 30 cases were identified in 1,300 tests of various flights from abroad. We understand from these figures that the evolution of the pandemic is moving at normal levels. But we remain vigilant. We are now preparing for the next big step, which is the opening of seasonal accommodation and the gates of the country to its visitors."

"There will be no shortcuts in health issues. The government is ready to intervene where and when needed," Petsas added.

Petsas said that "the government is continuing its reform efforts to create fertile ground for investment, which will bring faster, more dynamic and sustainable growth."

A key parameter in the new national strategy is the protection and upgrading of the environment. The shift to the green economy, support for employment and, of course, the implementation of a structured national plan for energy and climate change. In this context, the government is already implementing comprehensive plans for:

-Phasing out lignite.

-The simplification of licenses for investments in RES.

-The elimination of disposable plastic.

-Support the energy upgrade of buildings with the "Save Energy" programme.

-The submarine electricity connection of the islands.

-The national reforestation plan.

-Comprehensive waste management.

-The urban restructuring in Athens and Thessaloniki.

-The national plan for transitioning to electromobility