For the vision of a deep and strong relationship of Greek Diaspora with the motherland, spoke Deputy Foreign Minister Mr I. Amanatidis during the first meeting of the Committee for Greek Diaspora of the Hellenic Parliament
Today I find myself before the competent parliamentary committee to present to you the first tangible steps in this direction, but also the overall design of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad.
This relationship between the Greeks inside and outside its borders concern us at all levels now, more than ever, as human capital is the only guarantee for quicker exit of Greece from the crisis.
It is our obligation, thus, to accelerate procedures both at institutional level in order to provide all the necessary tools in an intangible, but dynamic capital of our country.
Starting from the top, we work on a legislative initiative for the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), seeking the greatest possible consensus, with democratic self-organization of the institution, and the strengthening of its status and effectiveness.
But simultaneously we introduce reforms and structural changes to modernize the whole public administration in order to facilitate everyday life for Greeks abroad.
For the first time, we are moving on Electronic interconnection of Greek Embassies and Consulates around the world with the Ministry of Interior.
In particular, the Greeks of the Diaspora can be serviced through the electronic system in their country of residence to issue any kind of certificates.
The pilot implementation of the system took place in Rhodes and follows new cycle pilot in Düsseldorf, Germany.
At the same time, we are utilizing new technologies to highlight the timeless presence of Greeks Abroad. In this context, we have launched the digitization of the archive of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad (GGAE) for scientific purposes.
In this way, researchers will have online access to archival material, titles and official documents related to the Greek Diaspora.
At the same time, we are utilizing all means and resources in the fields of cultural and religious diplomacy, potentially multiplying our intervention in the international environment.
A first step is the establishment of May 20, the day of birth of ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates as "Greek-speaking Day". The initiative aims to enhance the learning of Greek language internationally and the diffusion of Greek culture. This requires the issue of a Presidential Decree and then the recognition by the UN and UNESCO.
It is therefore clear that we aim not only to strengthen the links of Metropolitan Center with the Greek Diaspora, but primarily the interaction of the Greeks inside and outside the borders of motherland to a new foundation, functional, modern and effective.