Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras accompanied the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou on her official visit to the Republic of Austria from 4 to 6 December 2023, at the invitation of the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen.
During the visit, the Deputy Minister participated in the extended talks held by the President of the Republic with her Austrian counterpart, Alexander Van der Bellen, at the Presidential Palace, as well as with the President of the Austrian National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka at the Parliament. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and the deepening of cooperation between our countries in areas of mutual interest.
Additionally, Mr. Kotsiras had the pleasure of participating in the meeting of the President of the Republic with His Eminence Metropolitan of Austria, and Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe, Arsenios. The meeting took place in the Holy Metropolis of Austria, where the Greek National School of Vienna, the Diaspora’s oldest active school, has been in continuous operation since 1804. With its multifaceted social and charitable work, the Holy Metropolis of Austria plays a pivotal role in the historical continuity of Hellenism and in strengthening relations between the Diaspora Greeks and our homeland.
Lastly, the Deputy Minister participated in an event at the Ambassador’s Residence in Vienna held in honour of the President of the Republic and attended by members of the Greek Diaspora. During the event, Mr. Kotsiras had the opportunity to engage with Greek men and women of the Diaspora, whose work is shaping the modern face of Greece and is enhancing the Greek element in Austria.
December 6, 2023