French President Francois Hollande arrived in Athens on Thursday afternoon for an official visit to the east Mediterranean country. The French leader was greeted upon arrival at the Athens international airport by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Hollande is accompanied by the Minister of the Economy, Finances and Industry Michel Sapin, National Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem and Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin, as well as a large number of French businesspeople and lawmakers.

Hollande laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in downtown Athens, in front of Parliament, to commence his official visit.

The French leader was invited to the country by Greek President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos.