The priority placed by the Greek Government on upgrading the metropolitan centre's relationship with the Greek Diaspora as well as on promoting the Greek language was emphasised by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, during his visit to Vienna and Baden-Württemberg.
In particular, Mr. Kotsiras delivered an opening address at an event marking the 220th anniversary of the Greek National School of Vienna, which was held on March 9, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Vienna as part of the International Greek Language Day celebrations. “The Greek language and Orthodoxy, two highly significant pillars of Hellenism, are united in this holy place," underlined the Deputy Minister in his address, expressing the Greek State's support for the School's work. After all, preserving the Greek language and maintaining ties with Orthodox ecclesiastical institutions are main pillars of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, he noted, mentioning specifically actions promoting Greek language learning, such as the expansion of the online platform staellinika.com. in German.
Previously, the Deputy Minister was received by His Eminence Metropolitan of Austria, and Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe, Arsenios, whom he congratulated for his great spiritual and administrative work, which ensures the School's longstanding operation.
In the context of his visit, Mr. Kotsiras met with representatives from Greek Diaspora associations and Greeks living in Austria, at the Greek Embassy Residence, and briefed them on the initiatives undertaken by the Government to support Greeks abroad. The Deputy Minister called on Greeks living in Austria to take advantage of the postal voting, in view of the European elections, and to participate in the consultation on the Foreign Ministry's Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad by submitting comments and suggestions via the website mfa.gr. The meeting was attended, among others, by representatives from the Federation of Greek Associations in Austria, the Association of Greek Students and Scientists of Vienna, the "Hephaestus" Association, AHEPA, the Lyceum Club of Greek Women, the Austrian Greek Society, the Macedonian Association, the Pontian Association " Xeniteas", and the Greek Association of Graz and Styria.
During his visit to the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg, Mr. Kotsiras had a series of meetings with Geek Diaspora members and associations. At an event organized by the Consulate General of Greece in Stuttgart, at the Cultural Center of the Parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the Deputy Minister briefed Diaspora Greeks on the Government's policy for Greeks living abroad, focusing on the postal voting process as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad.
Furthermore, Mr. Kotsiras attended the Divine Liturgy at the Dormition of the Theotokos orthodox church in Reutlingen, Baden-Württemberg. He visited the Parish's "Home of Love" and praised its remarkable social work. "Our goal is to further strengthen our relations with Greeks living in Germany, this invaluable capital of Hellenism," the Deputy Minister underscored during his meetings.
During his stay in Stuttgart, Mr. Kotsiras visited the Consulate General in Stuttgart and talked to the personnel about further upgrading the services provided and facilitating the postal voting process, underlining that "the ongoing strengthening of consular services is our main priority".
Lastly, he visited the Greek Lyceum in Stuttgart and conversed with teachers, students, and parents. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the State's support for Greek education abroad and Greek language learning, through the use of modern digital tools, emphasising that preserving our history, language, and culture is our duty and legacy for future generations.
March 12, 2024