Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Amanatidis made the following statement today after visiting the President of the Republic:
“I visited the President of the Republic today, and I briefed him on the issues within my competency. The Greek diaspora, cultural and religious diplomacy are basic pillars of our foreign policy. Greeks abroad have always been characterized by a major contribution to the economic, social, cultural and political development of Greece. The development and strengthening of ties with Greeks of the Diaspora is our national duty. At the same time, I conveyed to the President of the Republic, who I know is anxious about the development of these relations, my plan for the promotion of cultural diplomacy as a cohesive means of dialogue that unifies peoples and their institutional representation.
In the immediate future, I intend to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to travel to New York to meet with the Greek American community, the Archbishop and other key figures in the U.S.
There is much to do. There is no time to waste.”
August 5, 2015