Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Amanatidis meets with the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mr William Lacy Swing (Geneva 28/2/2017)

Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Amanatidis had a meeting with the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mr William Lacy Swing. During the meeting they exchanged views on the current refugee and migration crisis and on ways to deal with it. Mr Amanatidis briefed Mr Swing on the measures taken by the Greek government in order to respond to the refugee crisis, giving special emphasis on the education of refugee children in Greece. He also expressed his gratitude for the multi-faceted assistance of the IOM to Greece. Mr Swing reiterated his tremendous respect and appreciation for the ongoing efforts of the Hellenic Coast Guard in saving thousands of lives at sea and underlined the excellent working relations between the IOM and the Greek authorities. Mr Swing also praised the spirit of solidarity of the Greek people towards migrants and refugees despite the difficult socio-economic context and confirmed IOM willingness in assisting Greece further. Finally, Mr Swing accepted the Deputy FM’s invitation to visit Greece in the coming months.