Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Bolaris visited Venice on 13 November, on the occasion of the arrival of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (14-17 November) at the seat of the Holy Metropolis of Italy and Malta, in order to attend the celebrations for the name day of the His Eminence Metropolitan Gennadios, departing on the morning of 15 November. On the first day, he visited St. Mark’s Basilica, where he was given a formal tour by a representative of the local Catholic Church. In the afternoon, he met with His Eminence the Metropolitan of Italy and Malta Gennadios, as well as with the President of the Greek Community of Venice, Mr. Dimitri Zafeiropoulos. Subsequently, he travelled to the Hellenic Institute for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice and spoke with the President of the Supervisory Committee, Professor Christos Arampatzis, as well as with the Director of the Institute, Professor Georgios Ploumidis. The Deputy Minister provided guidelines for the new Organisation document of the Foundation being drafted, which have been set through the new law (4505/2017). The following day, 14 November, Mr Bolaris welcomed His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at Venice Airport Marco Polo, whom he accompanied to the Hellenic Institute of Venice, where a reception was held for his All Holiness. Apart from the Deputy Minister, Greece's Ambassador to Italy Tasia Athanasiou, the President of the Supervisory Committee and the Director of the Hellenic Institute were also present. Subsequently, Mr. Bolaris attended the dinner which was held by the Hellenic Institute in honour of His All Holiness.