Sixth International Leadership Mission to Strengthen U.S.–Greece–Cyprus–Israel Cooperation a Success
President of Israel Isaac Herzog (center) with leaders of the American Hellenic Institute, AHEPA, and B’nai B’rith International during their visit to Israel
No. 13
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) participated in the Sixth International Leadership Mission, a high-level delegation of Hellenic American and American Jewish leaders focused on strengthening cooperation among Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. The mission took place February 22–27, with stops in Jerusalem, Athens, and Nicosia.
In addition to AHI, the delegation included leadership from the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA) and B’nai B’rith International. Representing AHI were President and CEO Nick Larigakis, Chairman of the Board James H. Lagos, and Board Member Kostas Alexakis, who joined other leaders to advance dialogue on regional security, diplomacy, and energy cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean. AHI Athens Chapter President, Vice Admiral (Ret.) Vasileios Kyriazis, H.N., also participated in the Athens portion of the trip.
AHI President and CEO Nick Larigakis with Israeli President Isaac Herzog
The mission convened first in Jerusalem on February 22–23. The group was received at the Presidential Residence by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Discussions focused on regional security developments, diplomatic cooperation, and shared democratic values amid ongoing instability in the region.
Delegation members also received briefings from senior Israeli officials, defense experts, and policy leaders. Meetings included discussions with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, strategic briefings from Israeli think tanks, and a visit to a joint command headquarters to gain insight into Israel’s current security environment.
Meetings at Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Tel Aviv
The city of Jerusalem in the background
The delegation continued to Athens on February 24–25 for meetings with senior Greek government and defense officials.
At the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, Greece’s minister of national defense, provided a comprehensive briefing on regional security and the readiness of the Hellenic Armed Forces. Additional meetings were held with Vice Admiral Theodore Mikropoulos, deputy chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces, and Yiannis Loverdos, Greece’s deputy minister of foreign affairs for Greeks abroad.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias welcomed leaders of the American Hellenic Institute, AHEPA, and B’nai B’rith International at the Ministry of National Defense during their visit to Greece. Photo: X profile of Nikos Dendias
The Hellenic Armed Forces Honor Guard at the Greek Ministry of National Defense welcoming the delegation
Vice Admiral Theodore Mikropoulos, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces, with the leadership of the three-country delegation at the Greek Pentagon
With Georgios Nikitiadis, Vice Chairman of the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad
From left to right: AHI Board Chairman James H. Lagos; AHI President and CEO Nick Larigakis; Yiannis Loverdos, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad; Chris Kaitson, Supreme President of AHEPA; and Robert Spitzer, President of B’nai B’rith International
Thanos Dokos, National Security Advisor of Greece, with the delegation
While in Greece, delegation leaders also visited the Hellenic Parliament and toured a Special Forces training center in Nea Peramos, gaining firsthand insight into Greece’s evolving defense posture and strategic priorities.
A demonstration presented at the Special Forces Training Center in Nea Peramos
Lieutenant General Konstantinos Gakis, Commander of the Special Warfare Command (SWC), center, with the delegation
The final leg of the mission took place in Nicosia on February 26–27. Discussions in Cyprus focused heavily on energy security and regional defense cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean.
Orion Anolik, Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, with the delegation
At Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry
Delegates met at Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry to review current energy initiatives and exploration programs in the region. The delegation also held discussions with Orin Anolik, Israel’s ambassador to Cyprus, underscoring continued diplomatic coordination between the two countries.
Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defense of Cyprus, with the delegation
Security briefings in Cyprus included meetings with the Cypriot minister of defense and an assessment from Lt. Gen. Emmanouil Theodorou, chief of the Cypriot National Guard.
With the Lt. Gen. Emmanouil Theodorou, Chief of the Cypriot National Guard
The Sixth International Leadership Mission builds upon five previous trilateral delegations held since 2014. These missions have become an important platform for strengthening cooperation between the American Hellenic and American Jewish communities while reinforcing diaspora support for the growing strategic partnership among Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States.
