The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has arrived in Athens amid tight security for her first visit to the Greek capital since the euro debt crisis erupted three years ago.
She was met by the Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, whose government is looking to pass another round of cuts worth some 13 billion euros in order to secure the latest installment of bailout aid.
There is much anger in the country after years of recession, and hostility at austerity measures for which many people blame international creditors, and in particular the German government.
The visit is seen as a symbolic show of support for Samaras, a fellow conservative, and a sign perhaps that Merkel is keen to see Greece stay in the euro.
She also hopes to counter criticism that she has neglected Greece but it is a high risk trip. If it goes badly it might damage her standing back home.
