Hanoi - Greek President Karolos Papoulias met with Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet Monday at the start of a six-day visit to the south-east Asian state.

Papoulias is the first Greek president to visit Vietnam since the two countries established bilateral ties in 1975.

"Greece in very interested in promoting relations between our two countries, and proof of this is that just as we promised, we have opened a Greek embassy in your country," said Papoulias.

Stockholm  - Greek President Karolos Papoulias arrived Tuesday for a three-day state visit that included a ride in a horse- drawn carriage from the Royal Mews in downtown Stockholm to the Royal Palace with King Carl Gustaf.

Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria rode in a second carriage.

The Swedish royals hosted a private luncheon for the president that was also attended by the king's sister, Princess Christina and her husband Tord Magnuson.

The president also visited parliament and met with speaker Per Westerberg and later had talks with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.