ATHENS — US Representative Gus Bilirakis was presented with a plaque honoring his contributions to Greece and the Greek diaspora in America and recognizing his political career and ethos, at an event at the Acropolis Museum held on Tuesday, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said Overseas Greeks and Public Diplomacy Secretary General Ioannis Chryssoulakis presented the recognition during the conferring to the senator of an honorary doctorate by the University of West Attica's Tourism Management Department.

An experienced American politician with a great love for Greece, the statement said, Rep. Bilirakis has played a key role in designing US foreign policy, supported issues of Greek national importance, and called for the end to the illegal occupation of Cyprus, among others. "We are grateful for your invaluable support and for all you have achieved all these years," Chryssoulakis told the congressman. "With your assistance, we want to boost Greece's position and its ability to manage future challenges," he added.

Bilirakis' family originates from Kalymnos island, and his father was also a Representative for Florida.