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Greece, Cyprus and Israel to invite India to Trilateral Summit 2024

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke about the potential to extend the trilateral Greece-Cyprus-Israel cooperation to countries such as India, at the 9th Trilateral Summit on Tuesday September 4 in Nicosia, Cyprus.

At the conclusion of the meeting with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Greek Prime Minister said, “I believe that what we could examine thoroughly is the possibility to invite the Indian Prime Minister to our scheme.”

Mitsotakis called the trilateral Greece-Cyprus-Israel resilient and successful with a common interest to further relations in all the sectors, reported amna.gr.

Together, the three leaders outlined developing strategic relations with other countries, such as India, in the next Summit for 2024.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said, “This is without doubt a dynamic strategic alliance between partners that share the same democratic values and targets and that invest in the common vision of stability, prosperity and security in the area and beyond this.”

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke about extending the trilateral Greece-Cyprus-Israel cooperation to India. Photo: PIO.

Israeli leader, Netanyahu, added, “The relations between the three countries have blossomed, following the trilateral mechanism of collaboration.

“For example, hundreds of thousands of visitors from Israel visited Cyprus and Greece, while there are also investments among the three and very close collaboration in several sectors, including natural gas, electricity grid connectrions, and fighting fires.”

The trilateral members remained committed to collaborating closely on fighting terrorism and extending the collaboration with India, Netanyahu noted.

The next trilateral Summit will be held in Israel during 2024.

Read more: Greece, Cyprus and Israel affirm 9th Joint Statement at Trilateral Summit

Source: amna.gr


Greece, Cyprus and Israel affirm 9th Joint Statement at Trilateral Summit

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Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu met for the 9th Trilateral Summit on Tuesday September 4 in Nicosia, Cyprus.

The Greek, Cyprus and Israel leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the trilateral partnership platform with the 9th Joint Statement, reported amna.gr.

“Our engagement reflects our shared values and ever-increasing common interests, aiming to contribute to peace, stability, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region,” the leaders affirmed in the joint statement.

The statement reiterated the continues commitment to collaborations in key domains, such as energy, defence, emergency response, environment, tourism, health, technology and innovation, and diasporas.

Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirm 9th Joint Statement in Nicosia. Photo: Press and Information Office.

“Addressing the global challenge of climate change, we agree to reinforce our efforts through regional cooperative projects, R&D, innovative energy technologies and promoting further regional energy connectivity,” the statement reads, also outline areas the focus on the energy sector, natural gas and renewable energy.

With the recent wildfires in Greece and Cyprus, the statement took note of the assistance by Israel.

“We reaffirm our mutual commitment to assist each other in responding to emergencies and further enhance our coordination and joint capabilities for that purpose,” the statement outlines.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Prime Minister Netanyahu were also briefed by President Christodoulides on the latest developments around the Cyprus issue.

Read the full Joint Statement.

The next trilateral Summit will be held in Israel during 2024, the leaders concluded.

Source: amna.gr

Read more: Turkey’s President repeats call for ‘two-state solution’ to Cyprus problem

From Pontos to Crete: A unique celebration of cultures held in Canberra

The Canberra Association of Pontos ‘Trapezounta’ and the Cretan Association of Canberra and Districts Incorporated held their first joint event ‘From Crete to Pontos’ on Saturday, September 3, at The Hellenic Club in Canberra.

The event attracted a turnout of 300 people, with plenty of food, live music and dancing that showcased Pontian and Cretan culture.

Members of Pontian Associations gathered for the unique event.
Official Guests.

The night opened with President of the Canberra Association of Pontos, Angie Triandafillou, and President the Cretan Association of Canberra and Districts Incorporated, George Katheklakis, welcoming official guests that included the President of Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas; President of Pontoxeniteas Sydney, Maria Anthony; President Panagia Soumela Sydney, Hellene Flame NSW; representative of Akrites Australia (Akrites Tou Pontou), Peter Stefanidis; President of Greek Pontian Society of Wollongong NSW, Nick Chrissostomidis; President of Cretan Youth Association NSW, Alexander Mountakis and President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra & Districts, John Loukadellis.

Left to Right: Theodore Merkoureas, Angie Triandafillou and George Katheklakis.

Ms Triandafillou gave special thanks to Eleanor Treloar, granddaughter of the late Major George Devine Treloar, for attending the special night with her family.

Following this, Fr. Petros Kipouros from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra, offered his blessings.

There was a fantastic line up of nine local and interstate musicians that performed traditional Cretan and Pontian music all for guests which filled the dancefloor and added to the cheerful festive atmosphere.

Nine local and interstate musicians performed traditional Cretan and Pontian music.
The dancefloor was full.

Kimon Taliadoros resigns from CEO position at Football Victoria

Kimon Taliadoros announced his resignation on Monday, September 4, from his position as CEO at Football Victoria. 

“After much reflection, I have decided to step down from my role as CEO of Football Victoria.  It has been a privilege to serve the game. I am grateful to the selfless volunteers and dedicated staff that provide the resilience and energy that drives football in Victoria every day,” Mr Taliadoros said.

Under Mr Taliadoros leadership, football has always pursued a bold and ambitious agenda.

Early in his tenure, he spearheaded Football Victoria’s response to COVID-19 including navigating the impact of some two years of lockdowns and reduced competition across the state. Under his leadership, Football Victoria was the first sporting entity to commit to 50/50 gender equity and was instrumental in not only securing State and Federal Government funding but in guiding the development of the world-class Home of the Matildas which takes pride of place at La Trobe University, and also houses Football Victoria’s Headquarters and State Football Centre.

Prior to his role as CEO, Mr Taliadoros served as Chairman of Football Victoria for 5 years.

Football Victoria has initiated a recruitment process for a permanent CEO, and will work to identify a qualified candidate who can build upon the foundations laid by Mr Taliadoros. In the Interim, the FV Board has installed Karen Pearce OAM, Head of Equity, Growth and Inclusion as Acting CEO, with a view to ensuring they “continue to deliver on the key priorities” under their FootbALLways strategic plan. Ms Pearce will continue in her current role while she takes on the responsibilities of the CEO’s office in an acting capacity. “The Board is confident in the talent and the expertise of the management team and the dedicated employees of Football Victoria who together will continue to drive and maintain its focus on delivering exceptional football experiences,” FV said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Board and the wider football community across Victoria, we would like to take the opportunity to thank Kimon for his vision, tireless efforts, and for his dedication to the ongoing growth and development of football. His passion for the game on and off-field over many years is evident to everyone he meets, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” the statement ended.

Australia bids to host 2031 FIBA World Cup

Australia is set to bid for the 2031 Basketball World Cup after a record breaking FIFA Women’s soccer World Cup in Sydney this month.

Five time Olympian, Andrew Gaze, tells the Herald Sun, Australian fans would sell out stadiums to see NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo play for Greece or Luka Doncic represent Greece.

Meetings for the 2031 World Cup are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the goal to bring the best basketballers around the world to Australia.

Giannis Antetokounmpo. Photo: NBA.

The FIBA World Cup being played in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan this year.

The Australian Boomers played three games in Melbourne before crowds of over 10,000 per night.

Basketball Australia chief executive Matt Scriven, who confirmed a bid for Australia is in motion said, “In relation to the Men’s Basketball World Cup we have expressed our interest to host this event together with several other premium events and we will continue our discussions with FIBA over the coming months.”

Source: Herald Sun

Perth local Marilyn Tsolakis named Kastellorizian of the Year 2023

Perth-based Marilyn Tsolakis has been named 2023 Kastellorizian of the Year by The Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (KAV) in an announcement on Sunday.

The KAV Award was introduced in 1993 to identify a person who has achieved excellence in their chosen field and made an outstanding contribution to the Kastellorizian, Greek and/or Australian community. The award is presented by the KAV President at the prestigious Annual KOY Dinner.

In an announcement, KAV said, “Marilyn’s many initiatives show her love for the island and her dedication to preserving Kastellorizian culture and history, while supporting Kazzie youth welfare as well as our Kazzie elders.

“Her strong values, charity and compassion for others makes her an inspirational role model for all. We congratulate her on her award and her many life achievements.”

Marilyn has made a remarkable contribution to Kastellorizian communities both in Kastellorizo and Australia through her countless grassroots initiatives over the years, according to KAV.

Kastellorizo.

Born in Perth to Kastellorizian immigrants, Marilyn graduated from the University of WA and went into English education to become Head of English at Methodist Ladies College in Perth from 1995-2008. She led a team of teachers recognised for achieving outstanding Year 12 results. Marilyn also served on the English Syllabus Committee for the State of WA.

Since 2008, Marilyn has dedicated herself to the role as Coordinator of Friends of Kastellorizo (FoK), managing and implementing community projects to fulfil the mission this non-profit organisation.

The projects Marilyn has coordinated for FoK have been mentioned and analysed by Vassiliki Chryssanthopoulou in several academic publications relating to the Kastellorizian and Greek diaspora.

In 2012, Marilyn served as Vice President of the Castellorizian Association of Western Australia (CAWA).

Marilyn Tsolakis co-wrote a bilingual illustrated children’s book, Kastellorizo: My Odyssey.

Through writing and speaking, Marilyn tells the stories of Kastellorizians to Kazzies and Australians of all ages. She produced and co-wrote a bilingual illustrated children’s book, Kastellorizo: My Odyssey, about the life and history of Kastellorizo, leaving a cultural legacy.

As the editor of the FoK’s ‘Filia’ Magazine since its launch in 2009, Marilyn writes for FoK and other publications for the Kastellorizian-Australian community. 

These are among the long list of accolades and contributions Marilyn has made to the Kazzie community to connect the island and its culture with Australians.

Greek Ambassador Georges Papacostas visits Wagga

Greek Ambassador, Georges Papacostas, visited Wagga’s Greek community in New South Wales for the first time on Sunday.

Mr Papacostas was accompanied by military attache, Colonel Ioannis Fasianos, for the informal occasion at the Greek Orthodox Church hall where he spoke to an audience of about 100, reported Daily Advertiser.

“Wagga’s Greek community is great,” Mr Papacostas expressed. “It’s my first time visiting here and I’m amazed it’s not too far away.”

In his speech, Mr Papacostas reflected on the relationship between Greece and Australia, describing it as “impeccable”. However, the ambassador noted his endeavours to continually strengthen the relationship.

Wagga mayor Dallas Tout welcomed the ambassador to the city on Sunday and extended an invitation to Mr Papacostas to return again.

Photo: Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of Wagga Wagga.

“I expect you to come here again next time,” Mayor Tout said.

Despite the short notice, Wagga and district Greek community president Kosta Papaioanou said the turnout from the Greek community was positive.

“It was great to be able to have a lot of our community out here to welcome the dignitaries,” Mr Papaioanou stated. “It’s a very momentous occasion for us.”

Source: Daily Advertiser

Read more: Thanasis Tsouhandaris meets with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Australian women encouraged to think about their health

By Martina Simos

Women’s Health Week, now in its 11th year, is a national initiative from a not-for-profit organisation that aims to raise awareness this week on health issues for all women.

Its theme, Grow Your Knowledge is about supporting all Australian women to make informed decisions about their health by providing information that is easy to understand.

This initiative is organised by a national not-for-profit organisation called Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, which is dedicated to improving the knowledge of women’s health in Australia.

The organisation was founded 30 years ago in honour of medical professional, Dr Jean Hailes, who established the nation’s first (and only second in the world) women’s health clinic dedicated to menopause. Currently there are two Jean Hailes clinics operating in Victoria, servicing women’s health needs.

The late Dr Jean Hailes provided health information to women as well as training for health professionals around 30 years ago, on topics that were never discussed publicly, such as menopause, endometriosis, pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Interim Chief Executive Officer Janet Hailes Michelmore AO stepped down in her role late last year but will remain Patron of the organisation.

In the 2022 Year in Review report, newly-appointed CEO, Sara L White thanked the work of Ms Hailes Michelmore for continuing the work of her mother, Dr Jean Hailes.

Dr Jean Hailes.

“Like her mother, the late Dr Jean Hailes, Janet has worked tirelessly to upskill the health workforce and ensure no-one’s pain is ignored, or symptoms or conditions are left unmanaged,’’ the report said.

“Women’s ‘health issues’ are no longer, and will never again, be shrouded in mystery and stigma.

“I’m proud that Jean Hailes, in collaboration with many valued partners, has played such a significant role in eroding both mysteries and taboos.”

Last year more than eight million-page views were recorded on the Jean Hailes website. It regularly updates free evidence-based health resources including a popular health check chart, for consumers and health professionals.

More than 100,00 women downloaded the podcast series, Denise Asks Awkward Questions, starring comedian Denise Scott and Jean Hailes medical experts.

The website also has a suite of resources such as factsheets, videos and podcasts on topics that includes abortion, contraception, cervical screening, vaginal health, mindfulness, mental and emotional wellbeing and menopause.

Last year the 2022 Women’s Health Week also prompted 56 per cent of women to get a health check. This year’s program will feature new resources and information on hormones, menopause, cervical screening self-collection, heart health, persistent pelvic pain and nutrition. These are available from Monday, September 4.

Some of the multilingual fact sheets have been translated into 13 languages including, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi and Somali.

Jean Hailes is supported by funding from the Australian Government. The organisation not only brings together a wide range of public health information but also has an active network of researchers, through support and collaboration with research teams in major medical research institutes and universities.

Source: Jean Hailes

Greece and Turkey Foreign Ministers to set agenda for leaders talks

Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is scheduled to meet Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Tuesday, September 5, in Ankara, the city of Turkey.

This meeting between the foreign ministers comes ahead of the scheduled meeting between Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the fringes of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York in September.

The primary objectives of this meeting are twofold: firstly, to solidify the agenda for discussions between Mitsotakis and Erdogan during the upcoming annual UN General Assembly, according to Ekathimerini.

Secondly, the meeting aims to maintain ongoing efforts to address some of the complex bilateral issues between the two nations, referred to as the so-called ‘positive agenda’.

Read more: Mitsotakis and Erdogan to meet during UN General Assembly

Hakan Fidan. Photo: AFP.

The meeting is set to focus on the two countries in cooperation in economy, environment, infrastructure and transport concerns, reported amna.gr.

It is widely recognized that Greece hopes to establish an agreement between the two countries to bring the matter of their continental shelf delimitation and maritime jurisdiction before the International Court. However, it is clear that such a process will not be expedited, and that resolving other disputes, such as those concerning maritime and airspace boundaries, must take precedence.

The Greek Ministry of Defense has indicated that there has been no invitation extended to Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler for a visit.

Read more: Leaders of Greece and Turkey pledge to ‘reset’ ties

Source: amna.gr and Ekathimerini

South Melbourne FC teams storm through to Grand Finals

South Melbourne FC charged through the weekend, making history and setting new records for the club.

Within a 24-hour period from Friday evening, September 1, to Saturday, September 2, four South Melbourne teams qualified for the Grand Finals of their categories. Two Men’s and two Women’s teams are have made it through to the Grand Finals, something that no other team at this level has been able to achieve.

South Melbourne Under 21 team defeated Oakleigh.
South Melbourne Men’s Senior team celebrate victory with President of the Club, Nick Maikousis.

At the Victorian Men’s National Premier League semi-final on Friday night, at Lakeside Stadium, Hellas Melbourne’s Senior team defeated Oakleigh Cannons 2-1 to advance to the Grand Final for the second consecutive season. In front of almost 3000 spectators, Hellas Melbourne dominated the pitch for most of the match however, missed several chances to score. South Melbourne will face Avondale FC in the Grand Final.

South Melbourne FC fans gathered at Lakeside Stadium.

The next day, South Melbourne and Oakleigh dueled again in a semi-final, this time in the Men’s Under 21 category. Hellas Melbourne won the penalty shootout with a score of 3-3 in regular time and took the score to 4-2 in extra time penalties.

The South Melbourne Senior Women’s team won 2-1 against Boroondara-Carey Eagles FC taking them through to the Women’s National Premier League Grand Final against the Bulleen Lions.

Finally, in the Under-19 Women’s Division, Hellas Melbourne defeated Calder 1-0 to also win them the ticket to the Grand Final.

South Melbourne Senior Women’s team.
South Melbourne Under-19 Women’s team.