Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad Kyriakos Gerontopoulos said that the Greek diaspora has helped facilitate a change to Greece’s image abroad. In statements made to ANA-MPA he said, that Greeks abroad “are willing to do a lot for us if we know what our target is and how to cooperate with them”.

Regarding the World Council of Hellenes Abroad
Gerontopoulos said that the draft bill for this council is in the final phase and expected to be tabled in Parliament after political parties finish making their proposals.

On the hospitality programs underway
Four programs were successfully revived again concerning teacher training of educators from former USSR countries. Future plans include more of the same.

Greek studies departments in foreign universities
The Greek government is interested in supporting these as much as possible considering the dire financial situation.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in the Middle East
The Patriarchate opened the churches and the monasteries during the major crisis in Gaza a few weeks ago to provide refuge. The Patriarch has received a number of letters of gratitude from those who received shelter.