Your Excellency, President of the Hellenic Republic,
Your presence here today at this significant moment, as we welcome our new Attachés, is a great honor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each new class of Attachés symbolizes not only the continuity of foreign policy but, above all, the patriotic feelings of young people. These are young individuals, who aspire to serve their homeland, to dedicate their lives to the difficult task of supporting the nation's image and rights around the world.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our new Attachés. I would like to express my gratitude to their parents, relatives and families, who have made great sacrifices so that our young Attachés can be here today. But most importantly, I understand the sacrifice of enduring their absence for extended periods of time in the future, as they travel the world to serve their country under challenging and often unfavorable circumstances, much like those we face today.
In addition, I would like to warmly thank our Diplomatic Academy for the great work it performs and particularly its Director, Ambassador Mr. Michalis Diamessis, for his painstaking efforts to upgrade our Diplomatic Academy and enhance our young Attachés’ skills.
I would like to emphasize the importance of having, among the new generation of diplomats, individuals who possess not only the necessary knowledge, but also the deep sense of duty to serve their homeland. Because they will be the image of our country abroad. They will not only be the first impression that others have of Greece internationally. They will also be the voice of our homeland around the world.
In an extremely difficult period and conditions that are far from being ideal for the global security architecture - with two wars in our neighborhood and enormous challenges - the new Attachés will be required to carry out an extremely difficult task. To succeed, they must utilize the full range of skills, knowledge and experiences they acquired during their time at the Diplomatic Academy. But most importantly, they must rely on their sense of duty to the homeland.
Because, as of today, our new Attachés do not merely obtain a right or a status, namely the very prestigious status of a diplomat. It is above all a duty, a responsibility to their homeland, to never falter from defending our nation’s rights. In this endeavor, they will have at their disposal an extremely significant toolbox. They will have all the tools available in modern diplomacy and, of course, the country's significant Diaspora, which is all over the world and constitutes an instrument of soft power. There is also the significant international footprint of our country. This footprint will become even more dynamic from January 1, 2025, with Greece’s participation in the United Nations Security Council, where we will participate in shaping international policies.
Your Excellency, President of the Hellenic Republic,
I would like to conclude by addressing the new Attachés. I know that there will come extremely difficult moments, when you will be isolated somewhere in the world, under the constant threat of global challenges, wars, turmoil, civil conflicts. However, I would like you to remember just one thing, if I may offer a piece of advice: you must never be afraid and disappointed. There will be moments of frustration and there will be moments of futility. But you must always keep in mind that you are serving Greece. And we will always stand by your side.
Thank you. I wish you success and a fulfilling career.
November 22, 2024