LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Aglaia Balta for her dedication and
service as the Consul General of Greece in New York, and congratulating
her on her new assignment as the Greek Ambassador to Chile

WHEREAS, New York State's role as an international hub of commerce and
cultural exchange gives our State the distinction of hosting many
members of the diplomatic community; and
WHEREAS, Those who represent their home countries with dignity and
grace while immersing themselves in local communities foster mutual
admiration between societies and ensure productive relations between
states; and
WHEREAS, Few diplomats embody this spirit more completely than Aglaia
Balta, the Consul General of Greece in New York since 2006, who was
recently awarded for her tremendous service by being named Ambassador of
Greece in Chile; and
WHEREAS, During her time in New York, Consul General Balta developed
deep, lasting relationships within the State's Greek-American community,
taking important steps towards raising cultural awareness and lending a
powerful voice to causes held dear by New Yorkers of Hellenic descent;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to Consul General Balta's arrival in New York, she
served at the Foreign Ministry of Greece in Athens as the Deputy Head of
the Diplomatic Cabinet and the European Correspondent for Common Foreign
Security Policy; and
WHEREAS, Consul General Balta was elevated to these positions follow-
ing a distinguished career in diplomatic posts throughout the world,
including in the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Belgium; and
WHEREAS, Consul General Balta began her diplomatic career in 1984 as
an Attache at the Greek Foreign Ministry Affairs-Asia Directorate after
receiving her Law Degree from Athens University; and
WHEREAS, Consul General Balta was born in Athens and is married to
Dimitri Alexandrakis, Greek Ambassador to Brazil, with whom she has a
son, Menelaos; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
contribute to positive relations between nations and demonstrate a
commitment to serving the public good have earned the recognition and
applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Aglaia Balta for her dedication and service as the Consul General
of Greece in New York, and to congratulate her on her new assignment as
the Greek Ambassador to Chile; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Aglaia Balta.