Greek diaspora’s role in Greece-US ties discussed at Gioulekas – AHEPA meeting

The importance of the Greek diaspora as a bridge connecting Greece and the United States, as well as opportunities for joint initiatives with AHEPA in northern Greece, were highlighted during a meeting on Monday between Deputy Interior Minister responsible for Macedonia and Thrace Konstantinos Gioulekas and AHEPA Supreme President Chris Kaitson, accompanied by members of the organisation’s leadership from the United States.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of the Interior’s Macedonia-Thrace headquarters in Thessaloniki.

Gioulekas outlined the development plans being implemented across Macedonia and Thrace, focusing on the region’s potential, opportunities and prospects. For his part, the AHEPA Supreme President briefed the deputy minister on the organisation’s objectives, activities and initiatives in Thessaloniki and the wider Macedonia and Thrace region.
“ It is truly a great honour to welcome our brothers, who continue a tradition spanning more than a century, keeping AHEPA’s principles and values alive. The organisation was founded by Greek immigrants in America, primarily to ensure unity among themselves and to give their children the opportunity to receive an education, develop their abilities and acquire knowledge,” Gioulekas said.
He stressed that “ the Greek state embraces the diaspora, particularly AHEPA”, adding that “ AHEPA and other Greek diaspora organisations serve as the umbilical cord connecting Greece within its national borders with the other Greece, the one beyond its borders that is active across the globe”.

“ I briefed the Supreme President on the initiatives we are undertaking in northern Greece, and we discussed opportunities for cooperation and joint activities with AHEPA chapters that have been active for years in both Greece and Europe. It is particularly significant that an organisation founded by Greeks in America has now established a strong presence on both sides of the Atlantic, making an important contribution through its activities,” the deputy minister noted.

The meeting also addressed the Alexander the Great Chair established at the Faculty of Philosophy of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as part of initiatives undertaken by the ministry’s Macedonia-Thrace sector.
“ This initiative originated with the Ministry of the Interior’s Macedonia-Thrace sector and was embraced by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, resulting in the establishment of the Chair at the Faculty of Philosophy,” Gioulekas said.

He also noted that “ relations between Greece and the United States are at an excellent level”, stressing that “ the most important bridge connecting the two countries and their peoples is the millions of Greeks who live and work there”.

Following the meeting, the deputy minister accompanied the AHEPA Supreme President and members of the organisation’s leadership to the Thessaloniki War Museum, where he gave them a tour of the museum and its historical exhibits.

amna.gr