Outward-Looking and Proactive Foreign Policy with the Greek Diaspora as an Ally
Over the last five years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece has undoubtedly expanded its geopolitical footprint. Amid uncertainty and successive crises, our country stands as a pillar of stability, with an enhanced role in European and international developments, making substantive contributions to addressing global challenges.
Greece's outward-looking and proactive diplomacy is also reflected in our policy towards Greek Diaspora. Recognizing the need for a coordinated policy for Diaspora Greeks, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we have developed, in cooperation with Minister George Gerapetritis, a comprehensive Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad with a four-year horizon, featuring specific targets and actions that will be constantly evaluated and updated. The Plan’s strategic objectives include supporting Diaspora’s networks and structures, enhancing the Greek language and culture with an emphasis on the younger generation, strengthening ties with Orthodox ecclesiastical institutions, upgrading consular services, and leveraging Diaspora members to promote issues of Greek interest. To shape the Plan’s final text, we will take into account the constructive proposals and suggestions submitted by organizations and individual citizens.
Initiatives are already being implemented to enhance Diaspora Greeks’ everyday life and promote Greek language learning through the use of modern technology and synergies with other ministries and entities. The introduction of a special section for Greeks living abroad on gov.gr portal, the digitization of consular services, as well as the expansion of the online educational platform staellinika.com are just a few of our initiatives to support the Diaspora.
Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of Diaspora diplomacy in advancing Greek positions around the globe. As valuable ambassadors of Greece abroad, Diaspora Greeks hold a pivotal role in the National Strategy for Public Diplomacy, currently being developed, with the aim of presenting modern Greece to the world in a coordinated manner. Through coordinated actions of our diplomatic authorities and the Public Diplomacy Offices, and by leveraging social networking tools, we are showcasing both the traditional comparative advantages of our country - its natural beauty, history, language, and culture - as well as lesser-known Greek successes in various sectors. For instance, this year's World Greek Language Day saw the implementation of over 100 actions worldwide. Furthermore, the foreign-language informational websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were upgraded, systematically presenting positive news about modern Greece, now taking a leading role in resolving international problems. A notable example that demonstrates our country's leading role in environmental protection is the hoisting of the 9th International "Our Ocean Conference" in Athens.
By pursuing an outward-looking, dynamic, and reliable foreign policy, Greece is moving forward with confidence and is making continuous progress. The major challenge is to ensure that our country’s positive course is irreversible. By investing in patriotism in a responsible way, strengthening relations with the Diaspora Greeks, and enhancing public diplomacy, we can make Greece's voice even stronger in Europe and around the world.
April 14, 2024