Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis meets with a delegation of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (Athens, 06.12.2022)

Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, held a meeting today with a delegation of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE-WHIA), headed by its President and Rhode Island State Senator, Leonidas Raptakis.

Mr. Varvitsiotis emphasized the valuable role played by PADEE-WHIA not only in fostering relations between the Greek Diaspora and the homeland, but also in promoting Greece’s positions internationally, at a time when Turkey’s aggressive rhetoric is escalating. Regarding the national elections in 2023, the Alternate Minister pointed out that it is important that Greeks abroad register in time in order to exercise their right to vote.  

Aside from Leonidas Raptakis, the delegation also included Wyoming State Senator Stephan Pappas, Australian MP Steve Georganas and Canadian MP Annie Koutrakis.

The World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE-WHIA) is made up of over 200 current and former members of legislatures and state parliaments of Greek descent from over 20 countries. The PADEE-WHIA was founded in 1996 aiming to   strengthen the relations of MPs of Greek origin abroad, to enhance Greece’s friendship and cooperation with the countries where the PADEE-WHIA members are active, and to promote the Greek language and culture internationally.