"G.Kotsiras: the Greek Diaspora constitutes an invaluable national capital"
The Government's ongoing, practical interest in strengthening ties with Diaspora Greeks was expressed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras in a series of meetings with representatives of Greek Diaspora members and associations during his visit to Chicago.
“The heart of Hellenism beats strongly in Chicago. The vibrant Greek American community constitutes an invaluable national capital, contributing significantly to the promotion of our national positions as well as the preservation and dissemination of Greek culture. By deepening our relationship with the Greek Diaspora, we are we are enhancing our country's global standing and empowering Hellenism worldwide”. This message was emphasised by Mr. Kotsiras at the conclusion of his visit to Chicago yesterday, Monday, February 26.
During his stay in Chicago, the Deputy Minister held meetings with Diaspora Greeks who excel in politics, economics, philanthropy, science, and literature, as well as with people of different ages, including first, second, and third generation Greek-Americans who maintain strong ties with the motherland. The discussions focused on the recent initiatives undertaken by the Government to support Greeks living abroad. Mr. Kotsiras briefed Diaspora Greeks on the postal voting procedure, which will be in effect from the upcoming European elections, and called on them to register on the platform epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr until 29 April, in order to take advantage of the opportunity and amplify their voice. Moreover, he outlined the main pillars of the Foreign Ministry's Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad with emphasis placed on strengthening the Greek language and Greek culture, upgrading consular services, networking and leveraging the Greek Diaspora to promote Greek interests and maintaining ties with the Church. He also urged Diaspora Greeks to participate in the consultation on the Plan via the Ministry's website, mfa.gr, by offering their ideas and suggestions.
During his visit, the Deputy Minister met with Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), as well as representatives from AHEPA, the Federation of Hellenic-American Organizations of Illinois "Enosis", Panarcadian Federation, Panepirotic Federation, and the Federation of Central Greece. The Deputy Minister praised Greek Diaspora organizations' contribution to deepening Greece's relations with the United States, preserving and transmitting Greek traditions to younger generations and underlined his will for continuous cooperation.
On Sunday, February 25th, Mr. Kotsiras attended the Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios Church in Elmhurst, Chicago, along with a large congregation. Following the Liturgy, the Deputy Minister expressed to His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago the State's unwavering support for his remarkable work. During his address to the Diaspora Greeks in attendance, he emphasized that the current government places a high priority on matters pertaining to Greeks Abroad. The Deputy Minister conveyed the same message in two interviews with Greek Diaspora media in Chicago, namely the radio and television station "Hellenic Heartbeat" and the radio station "Chicago Greek Hours".
In addition, Mr.Kotsiras visited the National Hellenic Museum, Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center, and the Center for Hellenic Studies at the University of Chicago. The Deputy Minister praised their contribution to the promotion of the culture and history of Hellenism and emphasized the prospects for networking and synergies with our country's research centres and universities. During his meeting with Greek physicist Lia Mermiga, director of Fermilab, the most important particle physics laboratory in the United States, Mr. Kotsiras discussed the possibility of leveraging Greek scientists working in US research centres to strengthen research and development cooperation between Greece and the United States.
During his visit to the Greek community "Koraes" Elementary School, the Deputy Minister spoke with Greek Diaspora teachers and students, emphasizing the State's support for the education of Greeks living abroad through the use of modern digital tools such as staellinika.com, an online platform for learning Greek.
Lastly, Mr. Kotsiras visited the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Center for the Elderly and congratulated the staff for the important social work they do.
On the occasion of his visit to Chicago, Mr. Kotsiras was briefed by the Consul General of Greece in Chicago, Emmanuel Koubarakis, and the Consulate General staff on the new digital consular services, which improve the service provided to citizens, and discussed with them the consular authorities' contribution to the postal voting process.
February 27, 2024