Each anniversary of March 25th functions as a quiet reminder that Hellenism is not confined to the geographical boundaries of the state, but continues to breathe wherever there are people who carry it within them.
Within this context, the presence of Filippos Fortomas in Australia takes on particular symbolism, as it brings to the forefront Greece’s ongoing dialogue with one of the most vibrant expressions of its diaspora.
The New Democracy MP and Chair of the Special Permanent Committee of the Hellenic Parliament for the Greek Diaspora has arrived in Sydney today in order to attend the celebrations organised by the Greek community of Australia for the national anniversary of March 25.
Having direct knowledge of the issues concerning the diaspora, due to his institutional role, Mr Fortomas, through his presence, seeks to strengthen the channel of communication between Athens and the Greek community abroad.
As he notes in an exclusive statement to The Greek Herald, the main objective of his visit is “to further strengthen the relationship of trust and cooperation” between Greece and the Greek community of Australia, at a time when the importance of the diaspora is once again dynamically returning to the centre of public discourse.
His presence forms part of a broader initiative of re-engagement with Greeks abroad, at a time of heightened interest in Greek Australian relations, particularly following the postponement of the planned visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Australia. At the same time, the timing, coinciding with the celebration of March 25, lends particular symbolism to the mission of the Greek delegation.
In his statement to The Greek Herald, Mr Fortomas highlights the enduring role of the diaspora as an integral part of global Hellenism.
“The celebration of March 25, 1821 reminds us all that the struggle for freedom and the formation of the Greek state was a collective effort. Hellenism is not geographically limited, but constitutes a global community with shared values, history and continuity, with Greece as its point of reference — our nation, our state,” he said.
“For all Greeks, this anniversary is both memory and responsibility: memory of the struggles for freedom and responsibility for preserving our identity, the ideas and the values that our ancestors defended and safeguarded in full.
“The Greek presence in Australia, and particularly in Sydney, constitutes a strong and vibrant cell of global Hellenism. The diaspora does not simply keep traditions alive, but creates, evolves and plays an important role in the societies in which it is active.”
Mr Fortomas also makes special reference to the role of the State and initiatives to strengthen ties with the Greek diaspora.
“Greece stands firmly alongside Greeks abroad, recognising their contribution and investing in a shared future that unites us all. The Greek Government demonstrates in practice, including through the establishment of postal voting, that it considers the great family of the Greek diaspora to be an integral part of it,” he said.
“My upcoming visit has as its main objective to further strengthen this relationship of trust and cooperation. Through meetings with organisations and members of the diaspora, we aim to listen, to co-shape policies and to provide meaningful support to Greeks abroad.”
Also participating in the same mission are Maximos Charakopoulos, Secretary of the Parliamentary Group of New Democracy, Stavros Michailidis from PASOK, and Konstantinos Barkas from SYRIZA, confirming the cross-party character of the initiative.
