Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Defense Visits Hellenic House

WASHINGTON, DC—On October 22, 2008, Mr. Ioannis Plakiotakis, Deputy Minister of Greece’s National Defense, visited the American Hellenic Institute’s Hellenic House. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Colonel (HA) Panagiotis Farantatos, Director of International Relations, Lieutenant Colonel (HA) Ioannis Tzanidakis, Director of the Military Office, Mrs. Maria Plakiotaki, Director of the Deputy Minister’s Office, Mr. Georgios Papagrigoriou, Director of Press Information Office and Protocol. Also, accompanying the Deputy Minister was Mr. Alexandros Mallias, Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. and Colonel Ilias Leontaris, Defense Attaché in Washington, D.C.  While at Hellenic House, the Deputy Minister met with members of the AHI leadership, including AHI Chairman James Marketos, AHI President Gene Rossides, AHI Legal Counsel Nick Karambelas, AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis, and the AHI staff.

The discussion centered around various topics ranging from strengthening U.S. relations with Greece, Greece’s role in the Middle-East, Turkish violations of the Hellenic air space over the Aegean Sea, and the continued presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus. Following the meeting, the AHI hosted a luncheon at the Capital Hilton in honor of Deputy Minister Plakiotakis and his delegation.

During his visit, Deputy Minister Plakiotakis spoke highly regarding AHI and of its purpose, its mission, and continued efforts to promote U.S.–Greek relations.

“We were honored to have Deputy Minister Ioannis Plakiotakis and his delegation visit Hellenic House. We look forward to working with the Deputy Minister and his office in the future to pursue common interests and in the strengthening of  U.S.–Greek relations,” said AHI President Gene Rossides.

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