American Hellenic Institute

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U.S. Ambassador Smith Keynotes AHI-Athens Awards Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Demetra Atsaloglou
June 12, 2012—No. 38 (202) 785-8430

U.S. Ambassador Smith Keynotes AHI-Athens Awards Gala

Top American Envoy to Greece States U.S.-Greece Relations ‘As Strong as Ever’

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Ambassador Daniel B. Smith delivered the Keynote Address at the Eighth Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner where he reported that Greek-American relations are “as strong as they have ever been.” The awards dinner was held May 30, at The Grande Bretagne.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Smith stated Greece faces significant challenges; however, he expressed optimism that the path of reform taken by the Greek people will “ensure a more prosperous future.” The ambassador reaffirmed the United States’ support for Greece’s reform efforts, cited the importance of Greece’s continued partnership and cooperation to NATO, and acknowledged the important role the Greek-American community plays in support of the cooperation between the United States and Greece.

“As we continue that effort, we will look to you and other pillars of the Greek-American community for support,” Ambassador Smith said. “For decades, you have constituted the ballast which has kept the bilateral relationship on a steady course, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.”

In this spirit, Ambassador Smith expressed appreciation for the work of AHI.

“I appreciate the exceptional work that the American Hellenic Institute does to preserve and enhance the ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the United States and Greece,” he said. “AHI members care deeply about the United States’ relationship with Greece and our shared devotion to the ideals of freedom and democracy. Whether through political engagement, business activity or awards dinners like this to honor the important work and high achievements of Ms. Frangou and Mr. Economou, your work sustains us though our challenges and our triumphs and strengthens the rich and textured relations between the United States and Greece.”

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American public policy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Daniel B. Smith offering remarks during the 8th Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner.U.S. Ambassador to Greece Daniel B. Smith offering remarks during the 8th Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner.

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For additional information, please contact Demetra Atsaloglou at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at https://www.ahiworld.org.