Lecture of the Greek Ambassador to the students of Waseda University (December 8, 2005)

Following an invitation by the Waseda University Ambassador K. Rodoussakis delivered a lecture on Greece’s centuries’ old history, as well as contemporary Greece, before a large audience of more than 200 students.

Opening his address the Ambassador warmly thanked the Rector of the University Prof. Kenjiro Tsuchida, Prof. of Literature and Prof. Noriyuki Sakai, Professor of Philosophy, as well as Prof. Father Ioannis Nagaya, a graduate of the Theology School of the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, who was the interpreter of the Ambassador’s lecture.

In his speech the Ambassador, referring to the prehistoric and historic course of Greece through the centuries, emphasized the ecumenical and universal character of the Greek civilization. In this context, he also underlined the contribution of the Greek scholars and Greek letters to the shaping and adoption of humanistic, as well as democratic values and systems. Particular mention was made to the expedition of Alexander towards Asian Continent. The influence of Alexander’s legacy reached as far away as Japan, as it was evidenced by Japanese academics on the occasion of the archaeological exhibition on Alexander the Great, organized in Tokyo with resounding success in 2002, Rodoussakis said.

Referring to the establishment of the new Greek State in the 19^th century following 4 centuries under the Ottoman Empire, the Greek Ambassador recalled Greece’s participation in the historical adventures of the 19^th and 20^th centuries. He especially underlined the contribution of Greece to the Allies’ common cause during the 1^st and 2^nd World Wars in the 20^th century. He reminded on this occasion Greece’s huge human and material losses as a tribute to Freedom and Human Values.

Turning to modern Greece Ambassador Rodoussakis went back to the national reconstruction following the Second World War. Greece’s participation initially in the then Common Market (today’s European Union) and NATO enhanced Greece’s peaceful and stabilizing role in the neighbouring area. An extensive review was made on the other hand by the Ambassador of the contemporary ever-growing Japanese – Greek relations. These trends were exemplified by the recent (11-12 Nov. 2005) very successful visit of the Greek Prime Minister Mr. K. Karamanlis to Japan, following a series of Summit meetings between Greek and Japanese leaders over the last 5-6 years.

The Greek Ambassador’s lecture was applauded very enthusiastically by the students. Rector Prof. Tsuchida warmly thanked the Ambassador of Greece on behalf of the Waseda University for his comprehensive presentation inviting him to come again very soon to continue his lectures on Greece at the Waseda University.