Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos completed a two-day visit to London on Thursday after meeting with members of the Greek community and Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain.
During his meeting with the archbishop, Gerontopoulos was briefed on the work and activities of the Archdiocese and the operation of Greek Orthodox churches in Great Britain (120) and Greek-language schools.
In London the Foreign ministry official also visited the Hellenic Centre, where he talked extensively with members of the Greek community and representatives of London associations and organisations and was briefed on the problems the Greek community is facing and their requests and proposals.
“The purpose of my visit here is to maintain the close relations of Greeks abroad with Greece, as we place special importance on newer generations, who must keep in touch with Greece,” Gerontopoulos said. “For me, a sense of Greekness cannot be maintained without education, that is why we pay special attention to Greek schools abroad and to Modern Greek departments in several parts of the world,” he added.
He also said that the purpose of his visit was also to encourage Greeks living in Great Britain to vote at the European Parliament elections, which they could do at the embassy and consulates. There are approximately 400,000 Greeks and Greek Cypriots in the greater London area, he added, and they should have political representation.
(source: ana-mpa)
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