Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs, N. Xydakis, met today, in a particularly friendly atmosphere, with British Minister of State for International Development, Rory Stewart, after the latter’s return from a visit to refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan.
The two Ministers focused on the refugee crisis and issues emerging from its management. They also discussed their bilateral cooperation in the aftermath of the British referendum.
R. Stewart thanked the Greek authorities, and the Greek Government, for their efforts on behalf of all of Europe to deal with the refugee issue. He also expressed the intent of Britain to provide further assistance to Greece.
The Alternate Minister, retorted that the British authorities have significant expertise and "know-how" in refugee and migrant return issues and also asylum procedures and noted that the contribution of Great Britain, in terms of technical and human resources, could be particularly useful. ‘The EU-Turkey deal’, he said, ‘was based on the premise that huge quantities of human resources would be made available through experts, a prerequisite which has yet to be fulfilled’. He nonetheless estimated that the proposal for a European return mechanism, which Greece is in support of, is being received positively.
With regard to the "BREXIT", the Alternate Minister stated it is a historical event which could possibly prove to be a political and intellectual shock for Europe. He added that both the United Kingdom and the European Union should now work to establish the best relations possible.The two Ministers had no doubt whatsoever traditional bilateral relations between Greece and Great Britain would still grow stronger.
At the end of the meeting the British Minister made reference to the upcoming visit to Greece of Sir A. Duncan, British Minister of State for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, in charge of European Affairs.
September 22, 2016