Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Amanatidis met at the Foreign Ministry today, Friday, 20 May 2016, with the Holy See’s Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Mons. Antoine Camilleri.
During the discussion, in which the excellent level of relations between the two states was reaffirmed, ways were sought to further expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in sectors of shared interest.
The two sides agreed that the refugee and migration crisis should be dealt with through solidarity among the member states of the European Union, based on universal human values and with respect for the human rights of the refugees. In the same context, Mr. Amanatidis stressed the importance of the visit of Pope Francis to Lesvos and thanked his counterpart for the Holy See’s warm and continuous support for the efforts the Greek government is making to manage the refugee and migration crisis.
There was also an exchange of views on current developments in Syria, and a reminder was made of the need to achieve a lasting and sustainable political solution that will strengthen regional stability and ensure the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims in the Middle East.
Mons. Camilleri invited Mr. Amanatidis to visit the Vatican in the coming time.
The meeting was followed by political consultations, under the Foreign Ministry’s Political Affairs Director, Ambassador Petros Mavroidis, regarding bilateral and regional issues.
May 20, 2016