Olga Gerovasili and Olga Sarantopoulos, for the Hellenes Abroad

Mrs.Olga Gerovasili (right), Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Hellenic Government Spokeswoman, Dr.Olga Sarantopoulos (left), World Secretary of the Council of Hellenes Abroad

Athens, August 3rd, 2016

Press Release

Τhe Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Mrs.Olga Gerovasili, MP and Greek Government Spokeswoman, met on Monday, August 1st, 2016, at her office in the Maximos Mansion – seat of the Prime Minister, with Dr. Olga Sarantopoulos, Secretary of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE).

The meeting raised all the issues concerning the Hellenes living abroad. Particularly were discussed the developments on the issue of the Hellenes Abroad Foundation, as well as the planed reorganization of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE). Other important issues that were emphasized were the vote for the Hellenes Abroad in the country of their residence, the expatriate taxation, the Greek language education for the children of expatriates and others themes.

Regarding the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, Dr. Sarantopoulos underlined that the absence of a global coordinating body of Greeks abroad only weakens the position of Greece and Hellenism in general. Indeed, Ms. Sarantopoulos emphasized the importance of the Philhellenes. She also brought to the table once again the request of the Expatriates regarding the establishment of a Ministry for Hellenes Abroad.

Ms. Gerovasili paid attention to the proposals and briefed Ms. Sarantopoulos on the work accomplished so far by the government. She intend on her agenda to consult with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Nikos Kotzias and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr.Ioannis Amanatides on all outstanding issues of the Hellenes living abroad who, as she stated, have the wholehearted support of the government and personally of the Prime Minister Mr.Alexis Tsipras.

Mrs.Gerovasili and Mrs.Sarantopoulos agreed that the relations between the Hellenes Abroad and the Homeland should be based on mutual respect and mutual support, which can only be of positive profit for both sides.