I’ve been working for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2005 following an intense six-month training program at the Diplomatic Academy. I’ve always had a great interest in matters of international relations and foreign policy, and therefore, I decided to pursue a career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As Greeks, we are, in a way, obliged to pay attention to developments around us due to our strategic location and the substantial effects that international relations could have on our country and daily lives. Unfortunately, Greece has many sensitive national issues, which remain unresolved until this day. Therefore, I felt that diplomacy was a way for me to contribute and give back to my country. Although I must admit, the idea of living abroad and getting to know different people and cultures has always appealed to me.

The traditional agenda of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the same, with Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue continuing to be at the forefront of the Ministry’s agenda. We need the Greek-American community to continue its important advocacy work on both of these issues. However, it’s also imperative to rebrand the image of Greece and raise awareness to all local officials and business leaders that Greece has not only overcome our economic crisis but is full of untapped investment opportunities. Greece has also proven itself to be a stabilizing factor in the region. Just look at the recent agreement between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which demonstrates our role as a pillar of stability in the eastern Mediterranean and our support for regional cooperation, which creates the right environment for investments and economic development. Most importantly, the way Greece has handled the refugee crisis, demonstrates that it is a country that respects human rights and the traditional values of international law.

The community can rest assured that I will do my best to not only promote Greek culture and products but also organize as many cultural and business events as possible. I would also like to elevate the importance of Los Angeles and see more high-ranking Greek officials visiting the area, in order to give the local community the opportunity to have a more vested interest in their ancestral homeland.

I would like to assure the local community that the Greek Consulate General of Los Angeles is here for them, and we will continue to do our best in order to meet all their needs. I’d also like to ask all Greek-Americans to hold on to their Greek roots and get to know their ancestral homeland better. Greece, today, is a different country compared to the one experienced by their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. They would be surprised to see how many similarities there are between Greece and the United States, especially southern California. It is my belief that it would be extremely beneficial for them to hold both countries close to their hearts, and embrace their ethnic Greek values and traditions which will help lead a better and more profound life.