Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Tsiaras met on Saturday, 12 January, with His Beatitude the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II, with whom he had an in-depth discussion of issues concerning the Patriarchate and the apostolic work carried out on its behalf (philanthropic, educational, health-care) through the Metropolitans that have been established in most African capitals. They jointly ascertained the need to sustain the use of the Greek language.
After his meeting with the Patriarch, Mr. Tsiaras was taken on a tour of the new museum of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, which is to be officially opened this coming spring.
Mr. Tsiaras then met with members of the Greek community, visiting the Greek Square: the Greek schools, the Consulate General, and “Manna” retirement home.
Mr. Tsiaras also had talks with representatives of the business community with the aim of activating the chambers of commerce of the two countries.
Finally, Mr. Tsiaras made statements to the Arab news media (Nile TV, France 24 Arabic).
In response to a question on the attacks on Egyptians in Greece, Mr. Tsiaras noted that they were isolated incidents that the Greek justice system is handling, adding that Greece’s political leadership and the Greek people as a whole condemn such incidents.
Regarding the economic situation in Greece, Deputy Minister Tsiaras underscored the determined effort being made by Prime Minister Samaras and the government to push through the necessary reforms, commending the sacrifices of the Greek people and expressing his optimism that 2013 will see the country get back on the track of growth.
January 13, 2013