Eleftherios Venizelos - David Lloyd George an enduring friendship

The personal friendship of Eleftherios Venizelos with David Lloyd George, between 1912 and 1936, was the theme of the exhibition presented in the Ambassador’s residence in London, on the occasion of the Foreign Minister Mr Avramopoulos’ visit in London. The exhibition was organised by the Greek Embassy in the UK and the exhibits were provided by the British Parliamentary Archives and the Benaki Museum.

The exhibition was attended by the Foreign Minister Mr Avramopoulos, the Archbishop of Great Britain Grigorios, the Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the House of Lords Timothy Boswell, the Ambassador of Britain to Athens Mr John Kittmer, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in London Mr Alexandros Zenon, the General Secretary of European Affairs Mr Aristides Kalogeropoulos, the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Mr Peter Droussiotis, as well as representatives of Greek and Cypriot organisations, members of the Greek Shipping  Co-Operation Committee, representatives of British think tanks, Greek and British journalists.

In his speech, Mr Avramopoulos pointed out that the friendship of these two great politicians demonstrates the close relations between the people of the two countries and the fact that neither the Greeks nor the British will ever forget those who have stood on their side. Lord Boswell underlined that both countries share common values and have mutual respect for each other.

The Ambassador Mr Konstantinos Bikas also said that the idea for this exhibition was born during his visit at the British Parliament, when Lord Boswell mentioned that he knew from his father, a close friend of Lloyd George, that his personal archive was donated to the British Parliamentary Archives.

The historical research and the coordination of the exhibition was done by the Minister Counsellor, for Cultural Affairs of the Greek Embassy Mrs Victoria Solomonidou.

The exhibition will be included in the 2014 proceedings in Great Britain commemorating the hundred years since the beginning of the First World War.

Have a look at the exhibition