Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was unable to attend due to the forest fires in Greece, participated earlier today, via video conference, in the 3rd International Conference of Heads of State and Governments in support of the Lebanese people.
The conference was co-chaired by the French President and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined the importance that our country attaches to the stability and development of the wider region, as well as the continuous support to our Lebanese friends.
In this context, Mr. Dendias pointed out that Greece will contribute to supporting the Greek Orthodox hospital of Saint George in Beirut.
He underscored that the Greek side will draw up a plan for the reconstruction of the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which suffered extensive damage in last year’s devastating explosion in the port of Beirut.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also underlined the importance that our country attaches to the support of the Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand. In this context, he reiterated the feasibility of reinstating the Greek language’s status as a language of instruction at this University, as was the case in the past.
It is reminded that Greece was the first country to respond to Lebanon’s call for aid following the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut.
In this context, a Greek Special Disaster Unit (EMAK) team, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kostas Fragogiannis travelled to Beirut the day after the explosion that took place exactly one year ago.