In Australia, Melbourne University’s Ian Potter Museum of Art is featuring a new exhibition, entitled Greek Vases, running to April 5, 2009.

Members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Greece-Germany will visit Germany, following an invitation from the corresponding German Parliamentary Friendship Group, from September 21 to 26.  The delegation comprises the president of the group, Filippos Petsalnikos (PASOK, Kastoria), the vice-president, Elias Fotiadis (New Democracy, Imathia), the secretary, Maria Skrafnaki (PASOK, Heraklio), and members Stavros Dailakis (ND, Drama), Theodora Tzakri (Pasok, Pella) and Athanasios Plevris (LAOS, A’ Athens). 

Education Minister Evripidis Stylianidis met on Thursday with the Patriarch of Alexandria, Theodore II. In statements made immediately after the meeting, the Education minister said the focus of discussions was support for the Patriarchate with executive staff, whose education would ensure the functioning of an excellent library that has been organised there.  Also, it was agreed to legalise – through a legislative amendment – an institute for career orientation in Alexandria. 

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis yesterday received his Danish counterpart Anders Fogh Rasmussen for a meeting focusing mainly on European issues, energy policy and climate change. 

The Foreign Undersecretary – in charge of Greeks living abroad – Theodore Kassimis went to Paris yesterday, in order to attend a ceremony for the enthronement of the Metropolitan bishop of Europe, Patriarchate of Antioch, Ioannis. It is the first time that a Metropolitan diocese of the Antioch Patriarchate will be established in Western Europe.