Greek Consulate General in Manchester Officially Opens, Strengthening Ties with the UK

Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Nikitas, Deputy Foreign Minister George Kotsiras and Greek Ambassador to the UK Yannis Tsaousis inaugurating the Greek Consulate General. Photo source: Consulate General of Greece in Manchester

The Consulate General of Greece in Manchester, serving northern and central England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, officially opened its doors on January 28.

Although operational for several months, the consulate’s formal inauguration marks a significant milestone in enhancing diplomatic services for Greek citizens in the United Kingdom. Previously, many had to travel to London for consular matters, but with the new Manchester location, they will now benefit from more accessible services.

At the inauguration ceremony, which brought together Greek and British officials as well as members of the local Greek community, Deputy Foreign Minister George Kotsiras highlighted the consulate’s role in improving services to Greek nationals and deepening Greece-UK relations.

Deputy Foreign Minister George Kotsiras. Photo source: Consulate General of Greece in Manchester

“The establishment of the Consulate General in Manchester is part of the Greek Foreign Ministry’s broader initiative to offer enhanced services to the Greek diaspora in the UK,” Kotsiras said. “Strengthening our ties with Greeks abroad is a national priority, as reflected in the 2024-2027 strategic plan for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Kotsiras also emphasized the importance of leveraging modern digital tools to improve service delivery, alongside the continued development of human resources and infrastructure for Greek public authorities worldwide.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp, Deputy Foreign Minister George Kotsiras, Consul General in Manchester Alexandros Ioannidis, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Nikitas, Greek Ambassador to the UK Yannis Tsaousis. Photo source: Exterior Ministry

The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Greek Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Yannis Tsaousis, and Consul General in Manchester, Alexandros Ioannidis. Distinguished guests included Professor George E. Holmes, who represented the King of the United Kingdom, as well as the UK Ambassador to Greece, Matthew Lodge. Also present were the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Paul Andrews, and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Richard Kemp.

The ceremony was marked by a blessing conducted by Greek Orthodox Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.