Greece’s Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has issued an exclusive message to The Greek Herald sending his well wishes to Greek Australians ahead of Christmas this year.
In the message, Mr Dendias stressed the strong bonds between Greece and Australia due to “common principles and values,” as well as the “historical ties” forged during the First and Second World Wars.
The Greek Foreign Minister also praised the bilateral relations between both countries, making specific reference to his meeting with former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne, in December last year.
Mr Dendias then turned to the contribution of Australia’s “dynamic and prosperous” Greek community towards fostering bilateral relations between Greece and Australia.
“Our Greek expatriates, now an integral part of Australian society and contributors to the progress and prosperity of Australia, make us proud with their presence in the country that welcomed them when they immigrated from Greece,” Mr Dendias said in his message.
“With their systematic promotion and support of Greece’s positions, our expatriates become ‘ambassadors’ of our country and contribute to the further strengthening of our already strong ties of friendship and cooperation with Australia.”
Mr Dendias concluded his message by sending his well wishes for “health, prosperity and happiness” to the Greek Australian community for Christmas.