Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Andreas Katsaniotis, had a meeting in Athens on Tuesday with the Board of Directors of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE/WHIA).
In attendance at the meeting was the President of PADEE/WHIA, Rhode Island State Senator, Leonidas Raptakis; the 2nd Vice President of the PADEE/WHIA and Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas; SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Energy and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis MP; SA Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and for the Arts, Andrea Michaels MP; NSW Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis MP; and former Victorian Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister spoke about the important role of PADEE/WHIA and its diverse actions, underlining in particular its contribution to strengthening the ties of migrants with their motherland, to the promotion of the country’s national position and the promotion of Greek language, history and culture.
Katsaniotis also presented in detail the Greek government’s policy for Hellenism abroad, emphasising the digitisation of consular programs which will facilitate the services of Greeks living abroad.
The Deputy Minister also referred to the planning of public diplomacy actions underlining the important contribution of the members of PADEE/WHIA and the Greek diaspora in general, in promoting and strengthening the image of Greece abroad, in cooperation with embassies, consulates and the Greek authorities overseas.
“The contribution of the diaspora to the defence of our national positions and rights is decisive,” said Deputy Minister Katsaniotis.
“We are in constant contact with the Board of Directors of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association for the coordination of actions aimed at strengthening the international image of our homeland.”
