WASHINGTON, DC – American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis appeared as a guest on the Greek web-based TV show Anihnefseis on January 19. He was interviewed by General (ret.) Ilias Leontaris and discussed the work of the AHI throughout the years, the current political climate of the U.S., just one day before the Inauguration, as well as the direction of U.S. foreign policy as it pertains to the eastern Mediterranean.

President Larigakis spoke on the continued efforts of the AHI since its inception in 1974 to promote U.S. geostrategic interests in the eastern Mediterranean, and highlights some of the Institute’s key accomplishments.

“One of most important Congressional wins on Capitol Hill was the 1975 arms prohibition,” said Larigakis. 

Further, Larigakis stated that, “we have escalated our visits to Greece and Cyprus because it is important to go to the region and see for ourselves what is transpiring and have an open line of communication.”

This enables Larigakis and the AHI to properly educate the public on Greek and Cypriot issues, as well as provide up to date information to members of Congress. 

“What are they [Greece] doing to promote U.S. interests?” said Larigakis. “Souda Bay, for example, is extraordinary in terms of its multifaceted facilities and how important they are for U.S. geostrategic issues. Souda Bay helps with U.S. and NATO military projection.”

Larigakis acknowledged the immediate domestic issues the Biden Administration will be faced with upon assuming the presidency, but also highlights Biden’s awareness of Greek and Cypriot issues. 

“It was the AHI who educated President-elect Joe Biden on issues concerning Greece and Cyprus after the 1974 invasion of Cyprus,” says Larigakis.

Dean Lomis, who served as AHI’s Public Affairs Committee chairman for eight years, and a constituent of then-Senator Biden’s, spearheaded the effort to properly educate Biden on U.S. policy issues impacting Greece and Cyprus.  

As with every election, the AHI looks forward to cooperating with the incoming Administration for fruitful discussions.

The entire interview which begins in Greek, but is mostly conducted in English, is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JRDlS8ZhkMk.

More information is available online: https://www.ahiworld.org.