Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Bolaris visited Istanbul on 12 September, meeting with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His All Holiness referred to the recent Synod of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as to issues concerning its work, and an exchange of views took place on current issues of common interest to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek government.
Mr. Bolaris also visited the Greek Consulate General in Istanbul and the Sismanoglio Megaro, where he was briefed by the Consul General, Ms. Soultanopoulou, and the Deputy Educational Coordinator, Mr. Gioltzoglou, on issues that are within the Consulate's competence, operation of the minority schools there, and the activity of the Sismanoglio Megaro. He was also given a tour of the Sismanoglio library, which houses a valuable collection of rare books from the collection of the learned Father of the Greek community Meletios Sakoulides.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also met with representatives of the Board of Directors of the Rumvader Association (Association for the Support of Greek Community Foundations) who briefed him on issues that concern the members of Istanbul's Greek minority as well as minority foundation operating issues.
September 13, 2018