In a message to Greeks abroad on the occasion of the Christmas and New Year holidays, Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighted the enduring commitment to nurturing relations with the Greek Diaspora.

Acknowledging the significant contributions of Greeks living beyond the nation’s borders, Mitsotakis assured that their role in the country’s progress is recognised and honoured.

Below is the full message from the Greek Prime Minister:

Dear Fellow Greeks,

As we approach the advent of the new year, I extend this heartfelt message to all of you. Regardless of residing and working beyond our nation’s borders, each one of you remains an integral part of our homeland. You serve as ambassadors, carrying the spirit of our motherland to the lands where you thrive. Your presence acts as a bridge, fostering connections and understanding among diverse cultures. You embody the living essence of Hellenism, nurturing its values wherever you go.

For these profound reasons, nurturing relations with the Greek Diaspora has been, is, and will always remain a foremost priority for the Greek State. We’ve recently taken significant steps, eliminating all obstacles that hindered Greek voters living outside Greece from participating in elections. Notably, the introduction of postal voting during the June European elections ensures that every voice resonates from afar, without expense or inconvenience.

Simultaneously, the ongoing development of the National Strategy for Greeks Abroad places emphasis on our language, cultural heritage, and education. Our commitment to simplifying and expediting consular procedures through digitalisation further enhances the services available to you. Moreover, the gov.gr web portal now houses a dedicated service exclusively for requests from Greek expatriates.

These initiatives are emblematic of the gratitude owed to our Diaspora, and it is our solemn pledge to remain steadfast supporters. We recognise and honour the invaluable contributions made by each of you to our nation’s journey of progress. With these sentiments, I extend my warmest wishes for a New Year filled with health and smiles for everyone.