Greece’s Foreign Minister meets with GCM President and Archbishop Makarios of Australia

·

Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has met separately with Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis, at his offices in Athens, Greece.

Both meetings were held in the presence of Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Andreas Katsaniotis.

According to a Twitter post, Dendias’ meeting with Mr Papastergiadis focused on the GCM’s activities and the Greek Foreign Ministry’s initiatives “for ongoing support of the Greek community with programmes and upgraded consular services.”

“Mr Dendias was extraordinarily friendly and interested in the activities of the GCM. He was accommodating in making the meeting happen and expressed a desire for further dialogue,” Mr Papastergiadis said in a press release.

The GCM President also stressed that he spoke to Dendias about the need additional cooperation and deeper ties between Greece and Australia.

In that regard, Mr Papastergiadis referred to the need for both countries to finalise the double taxation agreement in 2022. Bill also asked for consideration of a bilateral health agreement and to have exchanges of students and academics at university level which hopefully would involve the recognition of degrees in certain fields.

Mr Papastergiadis’ meeting with Dendias comes after the GCM President also met with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, and Greek Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, in Greece earlier this year.

Archbishop Makarios meets with Nikos Dendias.

In his separate meeting with Archbishop Makarios, Dendias discussed “the precious spiritual work of the Archdiocese and its contribution in strengthening relations with the Greek diaspora in Australia.”

Archbishop Makarios has been in Greece this month and recently paid an official visit to the Greek island of Kastellorizo on Friday, September 2.

During the three day visit, Archbishop Makarios celebrated the marriage of a Greek Australian couple and connected with the over 200 Australians of Kastellorizian heritage who are currently on the island.

The Archbishop also met with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople in August.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Alpha restaurant to host centenary celebration honouring Mikis Theodorakis

On Sunday, August 24 at 12pm, Alpha restaurant will host 'Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis' featuring the Australian Hellenic Choir.

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

You May Also Like

Sydney student sustains life-threatening injury from balcony fall in Mykonos

Sydney student Jacob Konaraki fell six metres from a balcony on the Greek island Mykonos, where he sustained life-threatening injuries.

Melbourne businessman Demetrios ‘James’ Charisiou jailed over $395 million fraud

Demetrios 'James' Charisiou has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a fraud scheme that took $395 million from Korean investors.

Joshua Gotsis applies for bail following drug possession charges

A 23-year-old plumber from southern Sydney, has applied for bail following a series of drug supply charges.