Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for the Greek Diaspora, Giorgos Kotsiras, is a doctor of European Law from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

He previously served as Deputy Minister of Justice in the previous New Democracy government and was elected as a Member of Parliament in Western Attica.

Mr Kotsiras, will be in charge of Public Diplomacy and the Greek Diaspora, as stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, during the handover ceremony.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs holds a doctoral degree in European Law from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

He was a student of Mr Gerapetritis, who commented, “…my student, and it is a great honor for any teacher to see his own students progress – and today, he is my collaborator.”

“He served as Deputy Minister of Justice responsible for International Cooperation and Human Rights,” emphasised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, adding that he now takes on “an extremely important portfolio for Greeks worldwide and for promoting the interests of the Greek diaspora, as well as for the country’s public image.”

“I am convinced that he will fulfill this serious and challenging mission.”

Alexandra Papadopoulou was also sworn in as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. She previously served as Greece’s Ambassador to the United States.

According to Mr Gerapetritis, Ms Papadopoulou has had a long career in Greek diplomacy, holding critically important positions and possessing a deep knowledge of foreign policy issues.

Furthermore, Kostas Fragogiannis will continue his tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Deputy Minister, responsible for Economic Diplomacy and Extroversion.

“Having worked for over 30 years in the field of private sector international development, during his tenure, he set specific goals for developmental and extroverted agendas, which he fully implemented and will continue to do so,” stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

WHO IS THE NEW RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GREEK DIASPORA

Giorgos Kotsiras, born in Athens in 1984 with roots from Isari Megalopolis (Arcadia), holds a doctoral degree from the Law School of the University of Athens, specializing in European Law. He has been active within New Democracy since his student years through ONNED.

He was a candidate for Member of the European Parliament with New Democracy in the 2014 elections and was elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time in July 2019 in Western Attica.

During the reshuffle on January 4, 2021, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of Justice responsible for International Cooperation and Human Rights.

As a Member of Parliament, he served as Vice President of the Greece-France Friendship Group in the Hellenic Parliament, as well as a member of the Greece-Serbia Friendship Group.

Education: Law School of Athens (2006), Law School of Athens – Postgraduate Studies in European Law (2007), Aix-Marseille III-Paul Cezanne University (France) – Postgraduate Studies in Administrative Law and Local Government (2008). Distinction as a doctoral candidate at the Law School of Athens.

Languages: English and Greek.