Mr. Valls is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before heading to the Presidential Palace where he will meet with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos. He will meet with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Friday at 11.00am (local time).
 
“The visit, which takes place only a few days after the EU decided to provide further financial assistance to Greece will be an opportunity to express France's support to Greek reforms and the consolidation of Greece's position in the Eurozone” said a statement issued by the France Embassy in Athens.
 
The discussions will be an “opportunity to draw new perspectives on the bilateral relations between France and Greece” while the two PMs will sign a roadmap on the strategic partnership between the two states, added the statement.
 
Hours before his official visit to Athens, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls told a Greek newspaper France wants to support Greece’s economic recovery through investments.
 
“Yes, of course (France is interested in investing in Greece). We are urging more French businesses to look into investment prospects because we want to assist Greece's economic recovery” Valls said in an interview.
 
He added Paris have been supportive of Athens during acrimonious talks with official lenders on debt relief and will continue to do so.
 
“This is the message I will deliver to (Greek Prime Minister) Alexis Tsipras,” he told the paper.
 
He said the Eurogroup's agreement on May 24 to release bailout funds to Athens sends a positive signal and adds credibility to Greece's prospects of returning to market financing by the end of its economic aid program in 2018.