An important event aimed at strengthening the strategic alliance between Greece and the United States will take place on Sunday, March 16, at 6:00 PM at the Hyatt Hotel in Thessaloniki, in the Epidaurus 1 Room during the Money Show.
This private initiative was organized by Vasilis Rokos without the support or funding of any organization, confirming the authenticity and significance of the endeavor.
Purpose of the Event
In light of significant geopolitical changes in the Mediterranean region, our goal is to bring Greece closer to the United States. The election of President Trump presents a unique opportunity for Greece to play a crucial role in stabilizing and developing the area. Through a closer alliance, the two countries can work together to promote peace, security, and mutual prosperity in the Mediterranean.
The event held in an environment that encourages participation and the exchange of ideas, aiming to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations. Key topics of discussion included enhancing diplomatic ties, promoting economic cooperation, and bolstering regional stability.
Notable Speakers
Among the speakers at the event were distinguished figures from the fields of politics, business, and academia. Their participation enhances the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. Speakers such as Christos Marafatsos, Chairman of Greek Americans for Trump, and Leonidas Raptakis, Rhode Island State Senator, shared their valuable insights and experiences.
Importance of the Gathering
The event is not only crucial for promoting Greece-U.S. relations but also for enhancing public discourse around critical issues in international politics and economics. The participation of citizens and organizations in the discussion contributed to a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist.
The event conducted in both English and Greek, with hybrid participation from speakers, allowing more interested parties to join online.
Key Discussion Topics
Enhancing Diplomatic Relations: Exploring innovative ways to strengthen long-term cooperation between Greece and the U.S. to address current challenges.
Promoting Economic Cooperation: Discussion on boosting trade and investment opportunities that will benefit the economies of both countries.
Bolstering Regional Stability: Dialogue on security issues and military cooperation aimed at promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Encouraging Public Participation: The presence of viewers inspired greater public interest and engagement in U.S.-Greece relations.
Highlighting Shared Values: Emphasizing the values that unite our two countries, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual understanding.
Confirmed Speakers
We eagerly anticipate a series of distinguished speakers, including:
Christos Marafatsos: Chairman of Greek Americans for Trump, leading outreach efforts to the Greek-American community.
Stavros Anthony: Lieutenant Governor of Nevada and former head of the International Organization for OSCE.
Kirk Schroder: President of Lawyers in New York.
Jon Jetullahu:Founder and CEO of IT Vision, involved in high-impact projects with the EU, SMEs, and international organizations.
Leonidas Raptakis: Rhode Island State Senator and President of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA).
Paul Kotrotsios: Founder & Chairman of the Hellenic News of America and Hermes Expo International.
Dimitri Nanopoulos: Renowned scientist in space exploration.
Benjamin Karakostanoglou: International relations scholar and lecturer at the Faculty of Law, AUTH.
Father Nektarios: Monk of the Skete of Saint Anne, founder of the Greek American NGO Athonites.
Theodoros Chouliaras: CEO and Founder of UPoilTankers & Trading.
During the event, Christos Marafatsos emphasized the importance of the Greek community to the United States and highlighted the strong relationship President Trump has with this community. He stated that Greece is a vital ally of the U.S., and there is a mutual desire for a more robust geostrategic alliance between the two nations.
Christiana Gardikioti, founder of Meraki People, stated, “The only export that Greece currently has is that of our children, and this must change.”
Theodoros Chouliaras CEO of UPOIL TANKERS remarked, “As unbelievable as it may seem, the country’s top export product is not olive oil, but petroleum products.”
Paul Kotrotsios Founder & Chairman of the Hellenic News of America and Hermes Expo International stated, “The Greek diaspora is always here and supportive, but it is essential to create new bridges with the global Greek community, providing opportunities to explore dynamic avenues of outreach on multiple levels.”
Anastasio Chatzitheophanous BCI Media Canada founder and president expressed, “Canada is always open to new collaborations aimed at expanding Greek entrepreneurship and culture internationally, with the support of the United States.”
Dr. Benjamin Karakostanoglou talked about the inacceptable casus belli threat set by Turkey preventing Greece from extending our territorial waters and our Exlusive Economic Zone . He said that Greece should condemn Turkey’s policy and work closely with the USA in order to increase its geostrategic position. In his view, the new Trump administration will support Greece in its sivereign rights in the Aegean Sea.
Dr. Sfaelos vice president of Association of European Journalists discussed the new energy map in the Mediterranean and the strategic positions of Greece and Cyprus within the new geopolitical landscape of the region. He emphasized his support for the revival of the East Med project, aligning with Mr. Rokos on this critical initiative.
Helena Kyropoulos culture ambassadress of Economical Delphic Union stated, “Culture is about exchange and is related to future foresight. The foresight of cultural synergies can create more effective bridges for entrepreneurship, culture, science, and academic internationalization.”
Leonidas Raptakis Rhode Island State Senator and President of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA) noted that Greece is close to the diaspora and emphasized that there are 47 elected political representatives of Greek descent in the United States.
Panagiotis Kaltsis, President of the Ecumenical Delphic Union, emphasized the importance of reviving the Delphic Idea in today’s world and the values it represents: peace, humanism, and environmental stewardship. He noted that for many decades, there has been a significant institution in the USA fostering multi-level outreach.
Alexandros Efstathiou Appolo Capital group stated, “Greece, due to its geographical position, is a hub for investment developments and an attractive destination for investments from Balkan and American investors.” Also spoke about the establishment of the Balkan Entrepreneurship Center, which will be headquartered in Thessaloniki.
Irene Androutsos was the highlight of the evening, creatively concluding with the song “Colours of Love.”
The event was successfully held, concluding with Vasilis Rokos being honored by the Rome Club with a distinguished award. The audience applauded the speakers and the initiative. During the award ceremony, Vasilis Rokos stated, “I am proud to be Greek; we are a historic people who form the foundation of the DNA of the entire modern Western world and way of thinking. However, Greece had Leonidas, and it also had Ephialtes. We must shed the mantle of servitude; it is time for us to shine again. With the new U.S. presidency under Trump, Greece can emerge as a hub of trade and stability throughout the Mediterranean.”
He continued, “An axis of India, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, and the U.S. can create an economic and geopolitical alliance. Imagine transporting products from India by train to a port in Israel and then transloading them through Cyprus to Thessaloniki. From there, a connection between the Axios River and the Danube would allow products to reach the heart of Europe within two days, all in collaboration with the U.S.”
Following the event, a dinner took place at a secret location, attended by descendants of Greek revolutionary heroes, Bounoulina, Androutsos , Kolokotronis, Varvaki, Emanouil Papa, Papanikaros, epigonos of Gianitsa and the presence of Elder Nektarios, monk of the Skete of Saint Anne. Vasilis Rokos called for the re-establishment of the Friendly Society “Filiki Eteria” as an organization for spiritual revolution, which was enthusiastically agreed upon by those press.
Helena Kyropoulos|BCI 24 News