Addressing the ceremony for the 2024 Argo Awards – which are conferred on distinguished Greeks abroad – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras stressed the importance the Greek State attaches to ties with the Diaspora.
“We are very proud that Greeks abroad excel,” said Mr. Kotsiras, highlighting that the Greek Diaspora constitutes “enormous national capital,” “a vital and existential element of Hellenism.” Strengthening ties with the Diaspora, supporting it and promoting it further are “top priorities.”
For this reason, the Deputy Minister noted, “we have drawn up, with Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis, the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024-2027,” a “horizontal plan” that marks a modern approach to the Greek Diaspora, including actions in many sectors. Indicatively, Mr. Kotsiras referred to actions promoting the Greek language, including through the use of digital tools, such as the staellinika.com platform for learning Greek, to programmes for hosting children and young people of the Diaspora, to the partnership with Study in Greece, which is aimed at attracting diaspora students to Greek universities, and to reversing brain drain. The Deputy Minister made special reference to overtures to the scientific diaspora, and especially to Greeks who distinguish themselves in the field of innovation and start-ups in countries around the world.
Finally, Mr. Kotsiras congratulated the winners and the organisers, stressing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support any initiative that promotes Diaspora Hellenism.
October 24, 2024