BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- French President Francois Hollande is in Greece for a one day visit this Tuesday. He has just held a meeting with his Greek counterpart, Antonis Samaras in Athens. According to Hollande’s office, the purpose of the French president’s visit is "a message of confidence and backing."

Hollande plans to stress the prospects of a return to growth in his first visit as French president to the debt-laden country. Prior to his visit, Hollande says that France is set to invest in Greece even more going forward since economic confidence is slowly nudging higher for the country.

Hollande arrives amid a 24-hour walkout by Greek media which is protesting against firings and benefit cuts. State television cut off coverage on Hollande’s meeting with Samaras and newspapers will not publish Wednesday editions.

The move angered the government, which accuses the opposition party to have planned the strike and undermined the country’s international image.

(Source: cntv.com)