Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis kicked off the first leg of his three-day visit to the United States in Tarpon Springs where he was warmly welcomed by the Greek community.
In Tarpon Springs, he met with Mayor Chrysostomos Alahouzos, US House of Representative member Gus Bilirakis as well as many members of the diaspora. An event was organised in his honour by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the Cretan Union of America, which was attended by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. In his speech, Mr Mitsotakis referred to his meeting with Mr Trump scheduled for Tuesday.
“I will discuss with him the serious dangers that Turkey’s aggressive and illegal behaviour poses for peace and security in the region. I will repeat that we will not tolerate any kind of violation of our sovereign rights. We will also discuss ways in which we can strengthen the strategic relationship between our two countries,” Mr Mitsotakis said. “These are times of unprecedented turbulence. We must always remember that our country is a pillar of stability in a region that is more and more unstable. We are, also, a long-term, reliable but also predictable ally of the great country that you call your new home. And I am certain that the strategic relationship between Greece and the U.S. will only grow stronger.”
READ MORE: Tarpon Springs, a Greek port in Florida
Mr Mitsotakis referred to the East Med Act as “one of the most important legislative acts, if not the most important, for the Eastern Mediterranean. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the region but also acknowledges Greece, Cyprus and Israel as pillars of stability in an increasingly volatile part of the world. And it is interesting that just a few weeks after the East Med Act was passed that we had an opportunity – a few days ago on 2 January, 2020 – to sign a very important agreement in Athens between Greece, Cyprus and Israel for the construction of an EastMed natural gas pipeline. A very important energy and geopolitical project that will allow Europe to have access to the new hydrocarbon reserves that are being discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
The prime minister also highlighted the importance that he attaches to issues relating to the diaspora, noting that the least that any Greek government can do is to keep the ties with Greece open. He pointed to recent legislation that facilitates voting by Greeks who live abroad, allowing them to vote from their place of residence.
“With the new law that saw unprecedented parliamentary support, the Greeks of the diaspora will not longer be second-class citizens. They will be able to vote where they live and actively participate in the affairs of the homeland,” he said, adding that the government would have liked even fewer restrictions but compromised to secure the 200 vote majority that was needed for the law to pass. This legislation was an important legacy that needed to be preserved and a good foundation, with nothing to prevent its further improvement.
READ MORE: Greek government discusses vote with Greeks abroad with the global diaspora
He said Greeks should stand united and he added that Greece had expectations from the diaspora.
Concluding his speech, he stressed that Greeks must stay united and noted that “Greece expects many things from you.”
Mr Mitsotakis and his wife were also present for the mass at St Nicholas Church and the ceremony of the blessing of the waters, attended by thousands of Greeks from around the region. The Holy Cross was caught by Panagiotis Sakotelis.
Greek PM’s schedule
Tuesday, 7 January
09.50 Meeting with the leadership of the Atlantic Council1
10.15 Participation in a panel with Atlantic Council Vice President Damon Wilson.
11.30 Meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director-General Kristalina Georgieva at the IMF headquarters in Washington.
14.00 Meeting with US President Donald Trump; followed by more meetings with delegations.
READ MORE: January marks a whirlwind month of diplomatic activity for Greek government
Wednesday, January 8
10.00 Visit to the US Senate to meet with members of the Foreign Relations Committee.
11.00 Meeting with the leaders of Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives.
13.00 Mitsotakis will attend a luncheon organised by expatriate organizations.
15.00 Meetings with American investors.
18.00 Mitsotakis will attend the reception given by US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Mr Mitsotakis is accompanied by Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias and the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Openness Kostas Fragogiannis, Minister of National Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Minister of Development Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Education Niki Kerameus and government spokesman Stelios Petsas.
