The strengthening of tourism cooperation between Greece and the UK and the repatriation of the Parthenon Scultures were discussed, among others, at a meeting between Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and her British counterpart Sir Chris Bryant at his office in Whitehall.
Talks were held in a very friendly and warm atmosphere, since Sir Bryant is a friend of Greece. Particular emphasis was placed on the memorandum on tourism, scheduled to be signed as part of bilateral agreements in a future meeting of the prime ministers of the two countries. The ministers agreed that the memorandum should have practical added value and contribute substantially to the further deepening and expansion of bilateral tourism cooperation.
Kefalogianni set again the issue of the repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures to Sir Bryant as it lies within his own jurisdiction.
The Minister of Tourism pointed out the uniqueness of the Greek case, saying that it is not about the return of individual works of art, as may be the case with other countries, but about the reunification of the "members of the body" of the Parthenon, a world monument of humanity, a symbol of aesthetics, of the Republic and of universal culture.
Sir Bryant replied that he is of course well aware of the issue and the Greek positions and referred to the difficulties stemming from the statute law of the British Museum, adding that this issue will be discussed, due to its importance, at prime ministerial level.
Kefalogianni invited Sir Bryant to visit Greece as soon as his duties allow it.
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 Greece participates. During her stay, the minister will have meetings with her counterparts from all over the world, as well as with representatives of major tourism organisations and will give interviews to international media.