Annually, American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis embarks on a year-end trip to Greece and Cyprus that aims to strengthen ties between the Greek American community and Greece and Cyprus in sectors such as government, commerce, and defense. This year’s trip, which spanned from November 27 to December 9, 2011, integrated the Institute’s first-ever official visit to Israel to meet with officials.
“Annually, I plan this year-end trip to Greece and Cyprus on behalf of AHI to discuss our organization’s goals and to focus on exploring new areas of mutual cooperation and development that will serve to strengthen the bonds between Greek America and Greece and Cyprus,” Larigakis said. “This year, because of significant developments in the region, including closer cooperation between Israel and Greece and Cyprus; and with increased dialogue between the Greek American and Jewish American communities, AHI believed it was important to make a historic visit to Israel, which was extremely beneficial.”
President Larigakis met with leaders and heads of government, think – tanks, and commerce on November 30. A two – hour dinner meeting with Mr. Bini Zomer, director, Corporate Affairs, Israel Office, Noble Energy focused on the energy firm’s current efforts to explore for oil and gas reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The firm’s exploration off the coast of Cyprus has been conducted despite threats issued by Turkey to the firm, and U.S. allies Cyprus and Israel.
Larigakis also visited Knesset (Israeli Parliament) where he met with several members of Parliament. Moreover, he received a private tour of Yad Vashem Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority.
“The tour of Yad Vashem Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority was a tremendously moving experience,” said Larigakis. “It is one I will share with colleagues and friends, and I will never forget it.”
On December 1, President Larigakis met with His Beatitude Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine Theophilos III and visited the Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv. He also visited the Western Wall.
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