Your Excellency Mr. President of the Hellenic Republic,
You honor us today by your presence at the headquarters of Greek foreign policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as we welcome the new 29th Class of Candidate Embassy Attachés.
Your presence signals precisely the importance of the Diplomatic Corps, of the new members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the image of our country, for its diplomatic footprint in the world.
Distinguished Candidate Attachés,
I realize how important this day is. I would like to begin with a reference to the times in which you are called upon to serve Greece. It is beyond any doubt that we are facing the greatest challenges of the last 80 years in the post-war world. With armed conflicts in the proximity of our neighborhood, with major crises, which are taking on a universal character. Crises with transboundary impact, such as the climate crisis, the food crisis. Crises that profoundly affect human dignity. You, the young Attachés, are called upon to serve our country by adapting to the new challenges we are facing.
The relative decline of international multilateralism and the fact that the international organizations are now also struggling to uphold the post-World War II international security architecture, call for a different approach to our world.
In this new world, Greece has taken steps to constantly enhance its international diplomatic footprint in the world. In extremely challenging times, Greece is a member of the UN Security Council - thus participating in the shaping of the international security architecture - and in the heart of the European Union. Our country will also assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second semester of 2027. With established, stable alliances around the world, which increase the outreach of our country and create strong diplomatic foundations.
In difficult times, Greece is increasingly strengthening its presence. You, the new Attachés, will be called upon to serve our country in this environment. I would like you to retain the strength, the vigor, the determination that you demonstrated during your studies at the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy.
You will find yourselves in difficult circumstances, serving your country in times of war, in times of conflict, not always under the easiest conditions. With knowledge, competence, wisdom and prudence - qualities that you have demonstrated during your studies at the Diplomatic Academy - you will strengthen Greece’s position in the world. And at the same time, you will offer much-needed consular services to Greeks abroad.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Director of the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy, Ambassador Michalis Diamessis, for the great work he has accomplished. Mainly, for training not only our country’s functional, effective, and valuable young diplomats, but above all people who are motivated by a selfless sense of service to their homeland.
I would like to thank and congratulate the parents and relatives of the new Attachés. It is a great day for you and I understand, as a parent, what it means for your child to assume responsibilities in the service of our country. You should feel proud. A part of this great success of the new Attachés also belongs to you, to each one of you personally.
And finally, I congratulate you, our new Attachés. I urge you to stay true to the lessons you learned at the Diplomatic Academy. Serving our country means remaining steadfast in our ideals, dedicated in the service of our homeland, without self-interest, with inexhaustible devotion.
Warm congratulations and best wishes for your career.
August 26, 2025