Greek Community of Melbourne President meets with Greece’s PM

·

In a meeting which emphasised the relevance of the deep ties between Greece and its diaspora, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis OAM, held discussions with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The meeting marked the continuation of dialogue between the two that has taken place practically each year, the effect of which is to foster closer collaboration.

Commencing the meeting, Bill Papastergiadis expressed the support of the diaspora in regards to the fires plaguing Greece. Bill noted the efforts of many media organisations and community groups in Australia that have historically funded relief projects for Greece.  Bill Papastergiadis also made mention of the Greek Volunteer Firefighters Association with which the Greek Community of Melbourne had worked closely with over a number of years.

The Prime Minister then turned the conversation to the issue of voting rights of Greek citizens abroad.  The Prime Minister said “we will pass laws on Monday so that every Greek citizen no matter where they live can exercise their democratic right to vote”

On the issue of building stronger ties Bill Papastergiadis made mention of a number of matters including a reciprocal health agreement, expanding the relationships between Greek and Australian Universities and the double taxation agreement.

Other matters raised included enhancing cultural exchange programs, fostering educational opportunities, particularly student exchanges at high school and tertiary levels.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance matters and stated “I will arrange a personal discussion with Prime Minister Albanese on how we can expedite these issues.”

The Prime Minister noted the historic relationship between the two countries and stated that he was committed to visiting Australia during this term.

The President of the GCM expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his receptive approach and pledged to work closely with the Greek government where required. 

Both Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Bill Papastergiadis reiterated their shared commitment on matters referable to Greek culture, and language. In that regard, Kyriakos Mitsotakis made immediate arrangements during this meeting for Bill Papastergiadis to talk with a number of relevant ministers to take some of these issues forward. 

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Greece evacuates expatriates in Mariupol as Russian troops encircle Ukrainian city

A humanitarian corridor was opened for the evacuation of Greek expats from Mariupol as Russia’s troops encircle the Ukrainian city.

‘Unbelievable’: Greek takeaway shop owners left shocked after car crashes through fence

Mr Tsantes said he was "very upset" and likened the mess left by the incident to an "explosion", saying it was "very lucky" no-one was killed.

Diaspora request expansion of postal voting rights for national elections in Greece

The Greek diaspora have requested to expand postal voting rights coming up to the national elections in Greece.