The strengthening of the tourism cooperation between Greece and Britain as well as the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures were discussed, among other things, at the meeting held in London by the Minister of Tourism Ms. Olga Kefalogianni with her counterpart responsible for tourism, arts and culture, Minister Sir Chris Bryant, in his office in Whitehall.

The discussion with the British politician was held in a very friendly and warm atmosphere, since Sir Bryant is a friend of our country and visits it often. Particular emphasis was placed on the Memorandum on Tourism being processed, which is scheduled to be signed as part of bilateral agreements at a future meeting of the Prime Ministers of the two countries. The two Ministers agreed that the Memorandum in question should acquire as much substance as possible in order to have practical added value and contribute substantially to the further deepening and expansion of bilateral tourism cooperation. They pledged to make every effort by both countries towards this direction.

Mrs. Olga Kefalogianni also raised the issue of the return and reunification of the Parthenon sculptures, which is included in the responsibilities of her counterpart, and who represents and answers on behalf of the British Government to the relevant questions submitted to Parliament.

The Minister of Tourism emphasized the uniqueness of the Greek case, pointing out that it is not about the return of individual works of art, as may be the case with other countries, but about the REUNION of the “members of the body” of the Parthenon, a world monument of humanity, a symbol of aesthetics and Democracy , and of universal civilization.

Sir Bryant replied that he was of course well aware of the subject and the Greek positions and referred to the difficulties arising from the statute of the British Museum, adding that this issue will be discussed, due to its importance, at prime ministerial level.

The Minister of Tourism extended an invitation to Sir Bryant to visit our country as soon as his commitments allow.

The Minister of Tourism is in the British capital for the major international tourist exhibition World Travel Market (WTM), one of the largest exhibitions of the tourism industry, in which our country also participates.

During her stay, the Minister has meetings with her counterparts from all over the world as well as with representatives of major tourism organizations and will grant interviews to international media.