The Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Relations, Dimitris Mardas, met at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, 9 March, with Tomas Boček, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on refugee and migration issues.
The discussion, which took place in an excellent atmosphere, focused on the refugee/migration crisis and the potential for cooperation between Greece and the Council of Europe on matters of infrastructure and exchange of know-how.
Mr. Mardas referred to the huge effort being made by the Greek authorities to deal with the refugee/migration crisis, highlighting the role of civil society and specialized international organizations. He noted that the Greek government’s goal is to deal with the refugee/migration crisis, fully respecting its obligations deriving from the European Convention on Human Rights.
Mr. Boček highlighted the need for Europe to show solidarity, underscoring that Greece cannot bear the whole burden of the crisis on its own. He also praised the Greek authorities, volunteers and everyday citizens for the hospitality the are providing for refugees.
March 10, 2016