Greek Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Yiannis Loverdos concluded a visit to Lebanon from July 11 to 13, in order to attend the University of Balamand graduation ceremony.

Loverdos addressed graduating students on Saturday and referred to the cultural continuity of hellenism in Lebanon, while praising the university's St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology in teaching Greek studies and boosting the Greek Orthodox education and tradition, as well as the cultural heritage of hellenism in the region.

The Greek official met with Patriarch John X of Antioch and all the East for the Greek Orthodox, to whom he conveyed the Greek state's undivided support. He also met with Catholicos Aram I of the Armenians, during which they confirmed the strong ties of friendship between the two peoples.

The Greek deputy minister was given a tour of the Institute of Theology by its dean, Archimandrite Jack Khalil, while he had an opportunity to also meet with University of Balamand President, Dr Elias Warrak.

Loverdos paid a visit to the seat of the Archbishop of Beirut, meeting with Metropolitan Elias Audi of Beirut, the Metropolis' St. George Hospital University Medical Center, and the offices of the Greek Community of Beirut. The minister's visit to Lebanon concluded with his attendance of the holy liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St George.

In the context of his visit and in order to boost bilateral cooperation, the deputy minister also met with Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister and President of Saint George University of the Metropolis of Beirut Dr Tarek Mitri, as well as with Lebanese National Defense Minister Michel Menassa.

(File photo)