Joseph Parente Featured at AHI Meet and Greet Noon Forum

WASHINGTON, DC—On February 23, 2006, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted a Meet and Greet Noon Forum at Hellenic House with Joseph A. Parente, Greek Desk Officer, U.S. Department of State.

Mr. Parente discussed his role at the State Department and issues concerning U.S.-Greece relations. His remarks were followed by a question-and-answer period and a short reception.

Mr. Parente's duties at the State Department include coordinating bi-lateral relations between the U.S. and Greece. His role is to keep policy makers informed of the day-to-day activities of these two countries so that policy makers can then make their decisions. He works closely with other federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Justice Department, Intelligence and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mr. Parente also writes briefings and speeches for policy makers. He organizes meetings and coordinates joint policy with different regions. Furthermore, Mr. Parente gives lectures for public outreach.

Speaking on U.S.- Greece relations, Mr. Parente said, “The U.S. and Greece work on the basis of a mutually beneficial strategic partnership.” An example is the Kosovo settlement on which the U.S. works closely with Greece, which the U.S. recognizes as having close ties with its neighbors. Also, the U.S. and Greece are working together to help spread democracy in the Middle East and North Africa as part of the Forum for the Future program. He also said that he and his colleagues are looking forward to working on relevant issues with the new Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni.

Joseph A. Parent is a nine-year veteran of the U.S. Department of State, having entered the Foreign Service in 1999. He began his current assignment as Country Affairs Officer for Greece at the U.S. Department of State in July 2004 shortly before the Olympic Games in Athens. His last overseas posting from 2002-2004 in both consular and economic positions was in Beijing, China. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Parente worked from 1997-1999 in the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs as a Civil Service specialist helping American citizens abroad.

Born in Canton, Ohio in 1969, Mr. Parente moved to Las Vegas, Nevada at age 11 with his family. He graduated with a dual baccalaureate degree in history and political science from the University of Nevada (Las Vegas) in 1996. He also did graduate studies at the American University in Washington, D.C. He is married to Susan Lee and has two young sons Nicholas (2) and Joseph (3 months).

Attached please find photographs of this event.

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For additional information, please contact Georgia Economou at (202) 785-8430 or georgia@ahiworld.org. For general information regarding the activities of AHI, please view our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org.