Malliotakis, Ambassadors of Cyprus & Greece Celebrate Greek Independence, Honor Pfizer CEO

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) yesterday joined Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and the Ambassadors of Cyprus and Greece in a virtual celebration of 200 years of Greek Independence honoring Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla.

“I'm extremely proud to be a Greek-American and on this bicentennial celebration of Greek Independence we reflect with appreciation all the contributions our community has made in the areas of math, science, medicine, business and philanthropy," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and subcommittee on Europe, as well as the Hellenic Caucus. "There are many issues we need to be focused on right now, particularly Turkish aggression in the Mediterranean and the reunification of Cyprus. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated he will stand in support of Greece and Cyprus and will hold Turkey accountable with continued sanctions. I'm looking forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle along with the Biden Administration to advance the causes that the Hellenes hold so dear."

Malliotakis added: "I want to thank everyone for attending this bicentennial celebration, especially our honoree, Dr. Albert Bourla, a true Greek and successful businessman whose hard work and dedication led Pfizer to develop a safe and effective vaccine that will save millions from contracting and succumbing to COVID-19."

"We owe our forefathers so very much for preserving our customs, traditions and culture, despite being under 400 years of Ottoman rule," said Congressman Bilirakis. "We must instill these same values on our children and grandchildren so our community can overcome the struggles we are currently facing."

"The bicentennial celebration was very touching for me. I was here in the United States but it very much felt like I was in Greece," said Ambassador Papadopolou. "Hellenic values and ideals appeal to all human beings regardless of their national affiliation. Being part of the Hellenic culture has nothing to do with heritage, but rather education and way of life."

"The War of Independence was not only a new beginning for the Greek nation, but also the outcome of a process that started years before which led the Greeks to reclaim their heritage and forge a new consciousness as a modern nation," said Ambassador Lysiotis. "The people who lead the spiritual renaissance of the Helenese were influential in shaping a message of freedom, determination, justice, dignity and the rights of man. These elements still resonate today."

"It's an honor to be invited to celebrate Greece's bicentennial and to be recognized for the achievements of Pfizer," said Dr. Bourla. "Literally, I'm representing the work of a few thousand people because that is how many it took to be able to achieve the development and manufacturing of this vaccine in record time."

Bourla added: "I have the fortune of calling the worlds' two greatest democracies my home. Both countries embrace freedom and equality and the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. As we celebrate the bicentennial of the Greek revolution, we are also celebrating one of the greatest medical achievements of mankind."

To watch the celebration, click HERE.

About Ambassador Alexandra Papadopolou:

Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou assumed her role as Ambassador of Greece to the United States. Ambassador Papadopoulou’s extensive career in the Ministry of Foreign Series has taken her to posts throughout the world. Most recently she served as Head of the Diplomatic Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Greece, Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador of Greece to Uruguay and Paraguay, Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union, along with numerous other positions. She is the first woman to serve as the Ambassador of Greece to the United States.

About Ambassador Marios Lysiotis:  

Ambassador Marios Lysiotis was appointed as the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in the United States in 2018. He previously served as Ambassador of Cyprus to France, Austria and as Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

About Dr. Albert Bourla:

Albert Bourla has built a diverse and successful career, holding a number of senior global positions across a range of markets and disciplines. Prior to taking the reins as CEO in January 2019, Albert served as Pfizer’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) beginning in January 2018, responsible for overseeing the Company’s com