The enduring contribution of the Greek Diaspora in Belgium and the importance that the Greek Government places on upgrading the relationship between the metropolitan centre and Greeks living abroad were emphasised by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras, who concluded his visit to Brussels yesterday, where he had a series of meetings with members of the Greek Diaspora, including the new one.
In particular, Mr. Kotsiras met with Greek Diaspora representatives at the Greek Embassy Residence and briefed them on the initiatives undertaken by the Greek Government to support Greeks living abroad. The Deputy Minister primarily referred to postal voting, which will be in effect from the upcoming European elections. He called on the organisations' representatives to contribute their experience and knowledge "so that as many of our compatriots as possible can take advantage of the opportunity" provided to them. Furthermore, the Deputy Minister informed Greeks living abroad about the Foreign Ministry's Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, which has been entered into consultation, via the Ministry's website and encouraged them to provide feedback and suggestions. It is, as Mr. Kotsiras stated, a comprehensive, coherent plan, with a four-year horizon, to support the Greek Diaspora and strengthen its ties to the motherland.
The meeting was attended, among others, by representatives from the Greek Community of Brussels, the Greek Community of Antwerp, AHEPA, the Network "Argo", the Association of Greek Employees in International Organizations, the Intercultural Centre and Union of Peloponnesians, the Associations of Pontians, Cretans, and Epirotes in Brussels, the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy, and Greek Diaspora municipal councillors.
During his visit, the Deputy Minister visited the Kestekidion Greek School in Brussels, talked to teachers, parents and students and underlined the significance of promoting Greek education abroad and Greek language learning, both traditionally and using modern digital methods.
Mr. Kotsiras was also received by His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg. During the meeting, Mr. Kotsiras underscored the Greek State's support for the Holy Metropolis of Belgium and praised its multifaceted work.
During his stay in Brussels, the Deputy Minister participated in an event hosted by the initiative "BrainReGain-Hellenism in Action" on attracting talent and returning qualified human resources to Greece. Mr. Kotsiras mentioned the policies implemented to reach out to young people who fled our country during the crisis, as well as the positive prospects created for their return, emphasising that "Greece is changing," becoming "more attractive," and demonstrating in practice its interest in Diaspora Greeks. The event was also attended by Constantinos Kesentes, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BrainReGain, the Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, and the lawyer and founding member of Brain Gain, Orestis Omran. The discussion was moderated by Popi Kalaitzi, member of the BrainReGain Board and founding member of Brain Gain.
Lastly, during the visit, the Deputy Minister attended the opening of the exhibition of Greek traditional costumes and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products, which is being held at the European Parliament's Paul-Henri Spaak building on the initiative of New Democracy MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos and with the support of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women in Brussels. In his address to the visitors, Mr. Kotsiras stated that "Greek traditional costumes, dances, and products are an integral part of our culture and history". The Deputy Minister emphasised the methodical efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of public diplomacy, to promote Greek culture, a fundamental component of our country's positive image in Europe and around the world.
February 22, 2024