GREECE CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY AND 75 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH THE PHILIPPINES

In a moving tribute to enduring friendship and cultural unity, the Embassy of Greece hosted a grand celebration of Greece’s National Day and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines.

Greek Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ioannis Pediotis, reflected on the journey that began in 1947, when Greece first established its Honorary General Consulate in Manila. “Today, our relationship is that of a warm friendship and close proximity—I would say identical—to all international issues, especially on the law of the sea, the peaceful resolution of dispute, and climate change,” the Ambassador remarked.

“Our relationship is stronger today, not just because of politics, but also because of social connections, thanks to the many thousand Filipino seafarers employed in Greek ships and many others working in Greece, in various fields,” Ambassador Pediotis added.

Beyond diplomacy, the evening also commemorated Greece’s hard-won independence, which started March 25, 1821. “Thanks to ordinary people who showed incredible bravery, the revolution succeeded in giving back to Greeks their freedom,” Ambassador Pediotis noted. “In the 204 years that followed, through bitter challenges at times, Greece regained its position in the world as a democratic, peace-loving, advanced modern European state.”

March 24th marked the only second-ever celebration of Greece’s National Day in the Philippines. It was an immersive celebration that beautifully blended heritage with festivity.

From the passion of the sea to the strength of shared traditions, the celebration marked more than a diplomatic milestone—it was a tribute to a friendship anchored in mutual respect, cultural affinity, and a journey of history, heritage, and hope. This remarkable evening not only honored the past but also set the stage for a future of continued collaboration and connection between Greece and the Philippines.