Thanks to its “firm, responsible, and clear stance” on the crisis in Israel and the Middle East, Greece has “enhanced its diplomatic capital; indeed, it have a say and a role on the matter". This was emphasized by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, speaking today on the "Syndeseis" show on ERT1 and to journalists Kostas Papachlimintzos and Christina Vidou.
In particular, Mr. Kotsiras pointed out that our country has adopted a principled and clear position from the very beginning. From the initiation of the crisis, the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis condemned Hamas’ terrorist attack and underlined Israel's right to self-defense on the basis of international law, as well as the need to release hostages and abductees, protect civilians, and establish humanitarian corridors. "Greek foreign policy is not opportunistic, conjunctural, or transactional," underlined the Deputy Minister; it is instead founded on principles, humanism and dialogue.
Furthermore, Mr. Kotsiras noted that the Greek Missions Abroad are ready to protect Greek citizens in any situation, and praised our country's diplomatic authorities in Israel for their prompt response and contribution to the swift and successful repatriation of Greeks from the region a few days ago.
When asked about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' policy on Greeks Abroad, the Deputy Minister stated that for the first time, a National Strategy for the Greek Diaspora with a three-year horizon (2024-2027) is being finalized, focusing on the dissemination of the Greek language, education, culture, and the role of the Church, as well as reaching out to the new diaspora, the so-called "brain drain generation." Mr. Kotsiras also noted that the digitalization of procedures of our Consular Authorities is to be completed soon, aiming at upgrading the services provided to Greeks abroad and improving their daily life.
October 25, 2023