AHEPA held a panel discussion on trilateral relations in the Eastern Mediterranean that brought together the foreign ministers of Greece and Cyprus as well as leaders of the American Jewish and Hellenic American communities, July 29, 2021.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias discussed Greece’s aims to encourage and promote multilateral cooperation and joint action in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Foreign Minister Dendias also conveyed appreciation for being presented with the AHEPA Pericles Award. He was unable to accept it in person on Tuesday evening.
Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides discussed the Republic of Cyprus’s role in strengthening the trilateral relationship between Cyprus, Greece, and Israel and growing “microlateralism” with other nations.
Supreme President George G. Horiates and Supreme Treasurer Savas Tsivicos presented Foreign Minister Chrisotdoulides with the AHEPA Pericles Award.
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein and B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel Mariaschin presented their perspectives about the latest developments in the region and their thoughts on what is at stake there.
Supreme Vice President Jimmy Kokotas and PSEKA President Philip Christopher also participated on the panel, providing the audience with an update on the initiatives and advocacy being undertaken by AHEPA and the Cypriot American community, respectively.
Executive Director Basil Mossaidis moderated. A Q&A discussion was held.
Ambassadors Pyatt and Papadopoulou honored for Excellence in Diplomacy
American Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt received AHEPA’s newly established George C. Marshall Award, and Greek Ambassador to the U.S. Alexandra Papadopoulou received the AHEPA Pericles Award in presentations by Supreme President George G. Horiates.
“For me, this Marshall award, like the AHEPA-funded statue of Secretary Marshall standing outside my office, symbolizes the ongoing friendship between the United States and Greece. It reaffirms our commitment – from the Greek Revolution until today – to support each other through whatever challenges our democracies may face,” Ambassador Pyatt said.
Ambassador Papadopoulou conveyed her gratitude for the honor and her appreciation for the mission and work of AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope. A trailblazer, Ambassador Papadopoulou is the first female ambassador to represent Greece in the United States.
Past Supreme President Carl Hollister served as the MC for the short program and provided remarks about each honoree. The reception was sponsored by Past Supreme President Hollister and his wife, Cynthia.