The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras sent a message of support to the Greek Diaspora in the United States and deepening of cooperation with the academic, scientific and business Diaspora during his visit to New York, Philadelphia and Boston, which was concluded yesterday, Thursday, November 21.
During his stay in the US, the Deputy Minister had numerous meetings with distinguished Greek-American academics, scientists, business people and professionals, as well as Greek-American religious, ecclesiastical and educational associations. He praised the Greek-American community’s active presence, as well as its contribution to the excellent relations between Greece and the United States and to the protection of our cultural heritage. He briefed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024-2027, focusing on its actions to improve consular services, promote the Greek language and culture, support young people and strengthen ties with the academic, scientific and business Diaspora, in the framework of promoting scientific diplomacy. He highlighted that the multidimensional support of Greeks Abroad is a major priority and stressed that Diaspora scientists are a valuable asset for Hellenism, which "we want to bring closer to Greece".
The Deputy Minister visited Greek studies chairs and programs at Yale, Harvard, Brown and Boston Universities, conveying the message that he will actively support their work in a horizontal and targeted manner, while emphasizing the promotion of collaborations with Greek universities and institutions.
In New York, the Deputy Minister participated in the 34th Annual Hellenic Lawyers Association Dinner Gala 2024, attended a service at the Church of Saint Demetrios and visited the Saint Demetrios School in Astoria. He also met with Greek-American business people and executives of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (HACC), with whom he discussed the prospects of strengthening Greek-US business cooperation through the Diaspora.
In Philadelphia, the Deputy Minister participated in a meeting with representatives of Diaspora organizations, parishes and professional associations, organized by the Federation of Greek Associations of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware at St. George’s Cathedral.
In Boston, he visited MIT, met with members of the Hellenic Institute of Advanced Studies (HIAS) and professors working at Harvard and participated in an event of the Hellenic Innovation Network (HIN) on "Business and Sustainability". Addressing the event, the Deputy Minister referred to the significant improvement of the investment and business environment in Greece over the last five years and pointed out that the exploitation of the scientific potential of the Diaspora can give a further impetus to Greek innovation.
Speaking at an event held at the Consulate General of Greece in Boston for the presentation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), he highlighted the positive prospects that cooperation with the Diaspora can create for expanding the impact of Greek cultural bodies and organizations. Visiting the Maliotis Cultural Center, the Deputy Minister expressed his support for initiatives of the Greek community that promote Greek culture in the USA, while he conveyed the same message to members of the Federation of Greek American Associations of New England, with whom he held a meeting.
On the occasion of his visit, the Deputy Minister also met Michael Dukakis, the first Greek-American politician to run for US president, and met the Greek-descent mayor of Somerville, Katjana Ballantyne.
November 22, 2024