Greek and Cypriot Ambassadors Address Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Tensions at AHI Policy Briefing

From left to right: AHI President and CEO Nick Larigakis, Greek Ambassador to the United States Antonis Alexandridis, and Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, Evangelos Savva, during the morning discussion moderated by Larigakis

                                                                                                                                                                      No. 23

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An in-depth discussion on current developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, tensions in the Middle East, and their impact on Greece and the Republic of Cyprus took center stage at the Ambassadors’ Breakfast Forum hosted by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) on Saturday, March 21, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.

AHI President and CEO Nick Larigakis moderated the morning discussion with the ambassadors of the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus to the United States., who shared their views with the Greek American community from at least 15 states, addressing regional security, Turkey’s role in the region, defense cooperation, and the 3+1 initiative between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States, among other key topics.

Larigakis opened the event by asking how Greece and Cyprus assess the implications of ongoing conflicts for their own security and regional stability, followed by a wide-ranging conversation on the region’s most pressing challenges.

“It is a strong determination of my government and of Greece that we will protect Hellenism at all costs, anywhere, in any part of the world,” said Greek Ambassador Antonis Alexandridis.

Greek Americans from at least 15 states attended the discussion with the ambassadors

The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, Evangelos Savva reiterated Cyprus’s longstanding position, stating, “We will not, and I am not a politician, but we will not put a signature on any reunification which keeps Turkey on the island in the form of troops and in the form of having rights which were given to it arbitrarily in 1960. No way, ever, under any circumstances.”

Underscoring AHI’s role in strengthening ties between Greece, Cyprus, and the United States, Larigakis pointed to the organization’s founding mission, saying:

“This organization was started 52 years ago by Gene Rossides to advocate for the rule of law and ensure that it is applied in the advancement of U.S. foreign policy. That remains our guiding principle today.”

AHI thanks the sponsors of the Ambassadors Policy Briefing & Breakfast Forum: Ronald & Vicki Canakaris; Helen A. Carlos & Ron Hilliard; and James & Nike Lagos.

Click the picture below to watch the full discussion.