Dear compatriots,
Greek women and men Abroad
It is with feelings of joy and honor that I address this message of good wishes to all of you, the worthy members of the Greek Diaspora, on the occasion of the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year.
Although you live far from your ancestral homes, Greece is always in your thoughts and in your hearts. Despite your daily struggles, you never fail to preserve, intact, your bonds with the motherland.
Your presence, far and wide across the globe, constitutes a valuable national asset for all of us, as you serve as a bridge of friendship between Greece and the countries where you are active and excel. With your character, hard work and unceasing efforts for progress, you leave an indelible mark on all fields of human activity, in business, politics, letters, science and culture. With steadfast commitment to the values of Hellenism and determination, you defend our national interests on a daily basis, promote the image of Greece internationally and preserve the Greek language and culture in the farthest corners of the world. Your contribution to the historical development of our homeland is invaluable, and for that we are very grateful to you.
I assure you that the Greek State will always stand by Hellenism throughout the world and will seek to maintain close ties with it, undertaking, among other things, initiatives to strengthen the knowledge of the Greek language and Greek studies abroad.
Within this framework, 2025 bids us farewell with some excellent news: the adoption and ratification by the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO of the decision to declare February 9 as World Greek Language Day. This decision is the culmination of a long effort by Greece and Greeks around the world. The international recognition of the contribution of the Greek language to the global cultural heritage of humanity is a development of historic significance, as it highlights the importance of the language that we Greeks share, continuously for 3,000 years, the language through which the universal values of democracy and humanism were expressed, as well as the spiritual principles of Christianity, love and hope.
Amid ongoing geopolitical realignments and complex hybrid threats that test international peace and security, as well as the resilience of democratic institutions, Greece continues to strengthen its role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans. With major infrastructure projects, it is constantly upgrading its geostrategic role as an energy hub, enhancing energy security in Europe.
At the same time, it remains firmly committed to the principles and values of the European Union, as well as to the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the rules of International Law governing the international legal order. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it intervenes dynamically in favor of the peaceful resolution of international disputes and the strengthening of global security.
Through strategic alliances, reliable partnerships and a multifaceted foreign policy, our country safeguards its national rights, while at the same time investing in the strength of the Greek Diaspora, recognizing Greek communities as the crucial connecting link for the promotion of our national identity in the modern world.
Greek women and men abroad,
With appreciation for your contribution to strengthening our Homeland and building a better future for the next generations of Greeks throughout the world, I wish you wholeheartedly a Merry Christmas and a happy and creative New Year, with health, progress and prosperity.
