ATHENS, Greece — Legislators of Hellenic heritage from the United States, Canada, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Albania, Hungary, Ukraine, Kenya, and Greece gathered at the Hellenic Parliament for the official opening of the 30th Anniversary proceedings of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE-WHIA), reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening the enduring relationship between Greece and Hellenism around the world.
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For three decades, PADEE-WHIA has united elected members of parliament, state senators, legislators, and other public officials of Hellenic heritage, serving as a unique international forum for parliamentary diplomacy, cooperation, and dialogue while strengthening ties between Greece and elected leaders of the global Hellenic Diaspora.
PADEE-WHIA President and Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis officially opened the proceedings, welcoming delegates to Athens and reflecting on the Association’s remarkable 30-year journey.
In his address, Senator Raptakis emphasized that PADEE-WHIA has become an enduring bridge between Greece and elected officials of Hellenic heritage serving in public office throughout the world. He noted that Greek history, culture, and democratic values continue to inspire generations of the Diaspora and described elected officials of Hellenic heritage as important ambassadors for Greece in the countries they serve.
He also highlighted the importance of parliamentary cooperation, preserving the Greek language and cultural heritage, and ensuring that younger generations of the Diaspora remain closely connected to their Hellenic roots.
President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis welcomed the delegation to the Hellenic Parliament and praised PADEE-WHIA’s longstanding contribution to strengthening Greece’s relationship with Hellenism worldwide.
President Kaklamanis emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy has become increasingly important in today’s complex international environment and described Greece’s close relationship with legislators of Hellenic heritage around the world as a significant national asset. He reaffirmed the Hellenic Parliament’s continued commitment to supporting PADEE-WHIA and initiatives that strengthen Greece’s ties with Hellenes across the globe.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannis Loverdos, responsible for Greeks Abroad, also addressed the gathering, expressing the Greek Government’s appreciation for PADEE-WHIA’s longstanding contribution and congratulating its members for their dedication to advancing Hellenism worldwide.
The proceedings also featured remarks from PADEE-WHIA members and officers representing countries across the globe, underscoring the Association’s truly international character and the active participation of elected officials of Hellenic heritage from every continent.
Former PADEE-WHIA Presidents Nikos Papadopoulos, Demetrios Dollis, Demetrios Giannaros, John Pandazopoulos, and Thomas Katsiantonis received commemorative award plaques in recognition of their distinguished service. A commemorative plaque was also presented on behalf of former President Peter Katsambanis, who was unable to attend.
Remarks were also delivered by First Vice President Effie Triantafilopoulos, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario, Canada, and Second Vice President Steve Georganas, Federal Member of Parliament of Australia.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Ambassador of Cyprus Stavros Avgoustides; Ambassador of Canada Sonya Thissen; Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy Joshua Huck; Filippos Fortomas, Chair of the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad and Member of Parliament for the Cyclades; Members of Parliament Thanasis Papathanasis and Andreas Nikolakopoulos; Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy Maira Myrogianni; and Secretary General for Citizenship Dimitrios Karnavos. Their participation reflected the Greek state’s continued support for PADEE-WHIA and its recognition of the vital role played by Hellenism worldwide.
Following the parliamentary proceedings, delegates continued their discussions over luncheon at Zappa Restaurant at Aegli Zappeion. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen longstanding friendships, and further reinforce the close relationships that unite legislators of Hellenic heritage across the world.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association remains one of the leading institutions of the global Hellenic Diaspora. By bringing together elected officials of Hellenic heritage from every corner of the world, PADEE-WHIA has created an unparalleled international network dedicated to parliamentary cooperation, the promotion of issues of national importance, stronger ties between Greece and the countries its members represent, and the preservation of the Greek language, culture, and historical legacy for future generations of Hellenes worldwide.
