Kotzias expects FYROM name deal to reach Parliament in Jan. 2019

Greece's name deal with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a "historic opportunity" that "looks to the future" of security and growth in the Balkans, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said during a meeting in Athens with his visiting German counterpart, Heiko Maas, on Thursday.

Greece can play a pivotal role in stabilizing the Balkans and "reducing tension," Kotzias said, presenting Maas with a list of government initiatives on the diplomatic front.

Maas, who was in Skopje earlier this week to express Germany's support for the name deal, which is being put to a referendum there on September 30, said that he is hopeful that this "historic agreement will be implemented, as it contributes to the reconciliation of the two people."

The German official went on to say that he hopes the agreement enjoys broader support in Greece, where it has met with...