On March 25th, the Greek Embassy in Poland marked Greek National Day with a wonderful reception attended by friends of Greece.
The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Greece, Poland, and the European Union. Guests were then welcomed by Her Excellency Ambassador Niki Kamba, who said:
This day is not only a symbol of national pride but also a celebration of resilience. The 25th of March resonates far beyond Greece’s borders. It represents the broader human struggle for self-determination and freedom – universal aspirations that have united nations and peoples throughout history. Today, as we reflect on this pivotal moment, we are reminded of how vital it is to uphold the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and freedom in our world.
Her Excellency also Greece’s vital geostrategic role, owing to its location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This unique location makes Greece a key player in regional and global geopolitics.
– Greece, as a member state of the EU and NATO, and recently elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, stands ready to actively contribute to global peace efforts, playing a key role in shaping the international security architecture – said HE Ambassador Niki Kamba.
Greece’s participation in the UN Security Council is not only a matter of responsibility, the Ambassador emphasised, but is also an expression of Greece’s strong commitment to the three core values that underpin its foreign policy: dialogue, diplomacy, and democracy.
She also underlined that Greece would continue to work tirelessly to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts, the rule of law, and respect for the sovereignty of nations. Greece’s voice, the Ambassador affirmed, would always be one of unity, cooperation, and freedom – and a steadfast advocate for lasting peace. The Ambassador also marked the third anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, stating that Greece has stood, and continues to stand, firmly by Ukraine.
The Ambassador then turned to the subject of bilateral relations between Greece and Poland. She noted that these ties gained significant momentum following the visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Warsaw in April 2024. During the visit, the two countries affirmed their shared positions on key issues such as Ukraine, security, and defence. Other important topics were also addressed, including energy and border protection against illegal migration – areas of fruitful dialogue and ongoing cooperation between Poland and Greece. The recent official first official visit of Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Undersecretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to Athens in early March further contributed to the strengthening of bilateral relations across all areas.
Her Excellency Niki Kamba also highlighted that the Poland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, held under the slogan “Security, Europe!”, presents even greater opportunities for deepening bilateral ties and expressing the shared positions of both countries on key international and regional issues.
She went on to address the growing economic relationship between Greece and Poland, noting that both nations are actively working to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism. She also emphasised that this collaboration extends across a wide range of sectors – from security and commerce to cultural exchange and sustainable environmental development.
Turning to tourism, the Ambassador pointed out that Greece remains one of the top three travel destinations for Polis tourists, with over 1.3 million visitors from Poland in 2024. She also noted that Poland was becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Greek travellers. Currently, there are daily flights between the two capitals operated by three airlines – Aegean, LOT, and Sky Express. She announced that, starting in June 2025, LOT will introduce daily direct flights to Thessaloniki.
In the closing part of her speech, Her Excellency Ambassador Niki Kamba addressed her compatriots, saying:
– Your contribution – the contribution of the Greek community in Poland – is invaluable. As guardians of Greek heritage, you continue to pass on the values and ideals of our ancestors to future generations. Thanks to the Greek communities in various cities across the country, the support you give to Greek schools and cultural events, as well as the entrepreneurship you have developed over the years, it is possible to keep the Greek spirit alive here in Poland.
She concluded by emphasising that Greece and Poland share common aspirations and that both countries would continue to work together to promote peace, prosperity, and progress – both within their own borders and across Europe.
The guest of honour at the event was Undersecretary of State Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, who remarked:
-Poland and Greece, although geographically distant, look at many issues in a similar way. Stronger protection of the European Union’s external borders, support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, building European security and defence capabilities are areas of convergent interests. As allies within the European Union, Poland and Greece work together to promote democracy, human rights as well as stability in Europe and beyond. As NATO partners, we strive to ensure regional security and respond to the increasingly complex security challenges.
Currently, both of our countries bear a special responsibility, as Poland holds the EU Council presidency and Greece begins its term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The event was also graced by the presence of representatives of the diplomatic corps, Polish state officials, a delegation from the Autocephalous Polish Orthodox Church led by the Archbishop of Wrocław and the military bishop Mr. κ. George, as well as representatives of the business community, educators, and many friends of Greece. Among the guests were MEP Nikolas Farantouris and MP for Viotia, Lefteris Ktistakis, who were in Warsaw at the time participating in the Interparliamentary Conference on Security and Defence in Europe.
The reception also provided an excellent opportunity for conversation and networking, while offering guests the chance to savour delicious Greek cuisine – a feast of aromatic dishes that perfectly captured the spirit of Greek hospitality. It was an unforgettable evening that brought Greeks and Poles even closer together, underlining the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
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