In his context 4th South Eastern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean Forum organized by the Delphi Economic Forum, Kathimerini and the Greek American Leadership Council in Washington as part of the “Helles and Diaspora – The Future” initiative, was awarded the “leader” award for his many years of contribution, on the evening of Monday February 6, 2023, a Greek American businessman and benefactor of the Greek community in the USA, Angelos Tsakopoulos.

The award was presented by the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosiwho stated that “we are all Greeks – poetically speaking. But in terms of democracy, we really are,” and that Angelos Tsakopoulos is the personification of the American dream. “Angelos Tsakopoulos made America ‘more of America’,” he stressed. He talked about the diaspora and what it offers America, as well as Tsakopoulos’ cross-party assessment, and also referred to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ historic speech to Congress.

During the evening, Greek Ambassador to the United States Alexandra Papadopoulou and US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis spoke about Angelos Tsakopoulos and his work. A message from US Vice President Kamala Harris was delivered by Lieutenant Governor of California and daughter of Angelos Tsakopoulos Eleni Kunalaki. In her message, Kamala Harris says, among other things, that she is grateful to him for his efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the United States and Greece and for his unwavering commitment to Greek ideals.

Messages were also sent by President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, and former US President Bill Clinton. and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Bill Clinton: Tsakopoulos’ contribution to Greek-American relations is invaluable

Speaking of Angelos Tsakopoulos, the late US President, Bill Clinton said that Angelos Tsakopoulos was a staunch supporter of Democratic candidates and politicians, while expressing his gratitude for his long friendship as well as his wise advice.

Hillary Clinton: At a time of historic pressure on the Alliance, ties between our two countries are more important than ever

In her message, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed: “For my part, as a former United States Secretary of State, I cannot overemphasize the importance of the relationship between the United States and our NATO ally, Greece. At a time of historic pressure on the Alliance, the links between our two countries are more important than ever.”

Delphi Economic Forum President Simeon Tsomokos welcomed – “a great new beginning in the relationship of the Greek diaspora in the United States with the national center,” said Kathimerini director Alexis Papachelas, who mentioned that the award was established with the aim of bringing Greeks abroad closer to the homeland by rewarding people who have been true role models in the Greek American community, with Angelos Tsakopoulos being the obvious choice and Executive Director of the Greek American Leadership Council. , Eddie Zemenidis, who said that leadership should not only be action, but also inspire others to act – this is what Angelos Tsakopoulos has always done and continues to do.

Angelos Tsakopoulos himself in his speech emphasized the value of education, the values ​​of Greek philosophy, and also spoke about the importance of Greek-American relations, emphasizing how important it is for the United States to have real allies like Greece.