Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras’ address at the 14th General Assembly of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (W.H.I.A)-highlights (Athens, 21.07.2023)

"Strengthening relations with the Diaspora and promoting their interests are consistent objectives of the State", emphasized Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, while addressing the opening of the 14th General Assembly of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (W.H.I.A) yesterday in Parliament. In this regard, Mr. Kotsiras highlighted the government's legislative initiative to lift restrictions on the voting rights of Greeks living abroad and called on all the country's political forces to support this effort.

The Deputy Minister praised the W.H.I.A.’s dynamic course and its significant role in highlighting issues of national significance for our country, as well as promoting the Greek language and culture. On the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, he welcomed the W.H.I.A. 's initiative to adopt a Resolution on Cyprus within the framework of the General Assembly's work.

Speaking more generally about the priorities of Greek foreign policy, Mr. Kotsiras emphasized that finding a just, viable, and mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus issue remains a top national priority. Simultaneously, he stated, "we look forward to good neighborly relations with neighboring countries based on International Law". He made a special reference to the development of public diplomacy in order to improve Greece's image abroad and emphasized the significant role that the Diaspora can play in this effort. "We have been fortunate to have a large and active Diaspora. Greeks living abroad are active citizens in their host societies, and many are distinguished in their fields, demonstrating that our country, beyond a glorious past, also has a dynamic present," he pointedly said, noting that "Hellenism worldwide emerges as a key tool of exercising soft power".

Furthermore, Mr. Kotsiras referred to tools utilized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the framework of state digitization to serve the Diaspora, such as the Citizens' Registry and the MyConsulLive Service, as well as a series of medium-term policies to support the Greek Diaspora and strengthen its relations with our homeland.

Concluding, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Greece, through its multi-faceted foreign policy, has significantly enhanced its international capital. He highlighted once again the pivotal role of universal Hellenism and the valuable services of the W.H.I.A., and wished the 14th General Assembly every success.