WASHINGTON, DC –
A student delegation from the American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) completed a series of high-level meetings during its 17th annual foreign policy trip to Greece and Cyprus. AHI President Nick Larigakis led Greek American college students through an immersive program designed to explore key foreign policy issues in the Eastern Mediterranean and policy initiatives that strengthen U.S. ties with Greece and Cyprus. AHI Board Member Maria Wills and AHI Legislative Director Alexander Christofor also attended the meetings.
In Athens, the students met with President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine Tassoulas at the Presidential Palace. President Tassoulas welcomed the delegation as “worthy ambassadors” who play an extremely important role in strengthening U.S.-Greece ties. He said, “…you constitute the essential bridge of friendship between the two peoples.” Tassoulas also commended President Larigakis for his multifaceted work to ensure that new generations of Greek Americans do not forget their roots and understand Greece’s position on foreign policy matters, especially its relations with the United States.
The group also visited the Hellenic Parliament, where President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis praised their civic engagement and called them “ambassadors of Greek language and culture.” He engaged in a Q&A with the students on foreign policy topics. Parliament staff led the delegation on a tour of the historic chamber and briefed them on the legislative process. Ambassador Konstantinos Economides, who serves as Kaklamanis’s Diplomatic Advisor, also attended.
AHI-Athens President Vice Admiral Vasilis Kyriazis (ret., H.N.) accompanied the delegation to both meetings.
In Cyprus, the students met with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace on June 23. President Christodoulides discussed the difficult and challenging times the region is experiencing and the impact upon countries in the region as well as the United States.
The delegation also visited the House of Representatives and met with House President Annita Demetriou, the first woman to hold the position. She highlighted the continued strengthening of U.S.–Cyprus relations, particularly in security, energy, defense, and the Visa Waiver Program. Demetriou praised AHI and the student group for their effective advocacy on the Cyprus issue, noting their role in informing U.S. policymakers based on the rule of law. She expressed hope for progress in upcoming diplomatic efforts aimed at a just and lasting reunification of Cyprus under a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Demetriou also held a Q&A with the students, who asked a variety of questions, ranging from the Cyprus issue to developments in the Middle East, to the empowerment women and enhancing their representation in decision-making centers.
“The 17th Annual American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) College Student Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus program reflects AHI’s and AHIF’s commitment to developing the next generation of Greek American leaders and advancing stronger U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus through education, engagement and cultural exchange”, AHI noted in a press release.
