Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Bolaris meets with Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia (Athens, 11 April 2019)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Bolaris today received Afashan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, along with her associates. The meeting was carried out in an very positive climate, in follow-up of the constructive cooperation that took place the previous day, between the UNICEF team and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, to examine a request by UNICEF to establish a Partnership Office in Greece.

The Deputy Minister referred to UNICEF’s presence in Greece and expressed the Greek government's recognition of its contribution in protecting minors, including young refugees.

Ms. Khan spoke with especially warm words about the reception that UNICEF enjoys in Greece, as well as the support of its actions, and expressed her certitude that the establishment of the Partnership Office will strengthen cooperation with Greek ministries involved in managing the needs of minors, incorporating into it appropriate programmes which will upgrade the effective national procedures for their registration, identification, and education.

In April, the Interim Accord between Greece and UNICEF for the establishment of the Organisation’s Partnership Office will be finalised through an exchange of letters, whose ultimate goal will be the signing of a Headquarters Agreement.

April 11, 2019