Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis
Few hours before the crucial meeting – which will take place today – between the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis sent a particularly clear message to Turkey during his speech in New York, in the presence of representatives of Greek-American organizations and Archbishop Elpidoforos of America. at the Harvard Club in New York.
Eva Metis Koutoumanou
The prestigious event was opened by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who welcomed the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and expressed his gratitude for the support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
He then stressed that the Greek Orthodox community of America stands in solidarity with those affected by the devastating fires and floods in Greece, expressing sorrow for the lives lost and support for those who suffered loses from natural disasters.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
For his part, the Greek Foreign Minister made it clear that the territorial integrity of our country does not enter into discussion, thus setting the tone against the extreme voices of revisionism on the part of Turkey.
"A constructive dialogue can only be based on full respect for international law, including the law of the sea, the sovereignty and integrity of the two countries," Gerapetritis said, adding that Greece's firm position is that dialogue within the framework of international law "is the only way to resolve any differences."
Addressing the attendees, representatives of the Greek-American communities, Mr. Gerapetritis praised the Greek-American community with glowing words, saying, both in Greek and English, that "you are the heart of Greece", stressing that the Greek Diaspora has contributed, in many ways, to the strengthening of Greek-American relations and to diplomacy in general.
Calamos Investments President and CEO John Koudounis
"The Greek-American communities are a strong pole in international politics, our Diaspora can be very supportive of public diplomacy. You are the most notable part of the so-called Greek soft power. Each of you is an ambassador of Greece. Your success is Greece's success and we are proud of your achievements," Gerapetritis said.
Mr. Gerapetritis also referred to the vote of Greeks abroad, clarifying that it is now a simple process.
The President of the Hellenic Medical Association of New York Dr. Antonios Gasparis and the President of the Association of Greek Lawyers Mr. George Zapantis
Finally, the Greek Foreign Minister asked for a minute's silence to be observed for the five Greek soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the tragic accident in Libya.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America with Greek-American businessman Elias (Lou) Katsos
Present, among others, were the Deputy Foreign Minister and former Ambassador of Greece to Washington Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Deputy Foreign Minister Costas Frangogiannis, the Consul General of Greece in New York Dinos Constantinou, the Consul Dimitrios Papageorgiou, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus Evangelos Savvas, the former US Ambassador to Athens Geoffrey Pyatt, the Metropolitan of Ioannina Maximos, the Executive Director of HALC Eddy Zemenides, the President of the American-Hellenic Institute Nikos Larygakis, the Senior Counsel of ALMA Bank, Nancy Papaioannou, the Executive Director of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce Alexandra Mitsaki, the editor of the Hellenic Daily News Evangelina Plakas, the distinguished Greek-American businessman Elias (Lou) Katsos, the President of the Hellenic Medical Association of New York Dr. Antonios Gasparis, the President of the Association of Greek Lawyers Mr. George Zapantis and the President and CEO of Calamos Investments John Koudounis.
