Victorian Multicultural Affairs Minister Nick Kotsiras has indicated that there are several “exciting” programs in the works with Greece.
The minister, along with Premier Ted Baillieu officially met with the newly appointed Consul-General for Greece in Melbourne Eleni Lianidou, for the first time last week. “We spoke about many issues and many programs, which I won’t go into detail now, but hopefully there’ll be some exciting news to come,” Mr Kotsiras told Neos Kosmos.
The Friday meeting at Treasury Place is understood to have been positive, and included discussions aimed at building stronger relations between the state of Victoria and Greece. “We can always build stronger relations with Greece: trade, commerce, culture. The one thing that Greece needs right now is tourism, so… if there’s some sort of campaign where we can both benefit, I think it will do us both some good,” Mr Kotsiras said.
The minister also hinted at new education opportunities but declined to elaborate. Neos Kosmos understands that the two governments might also be looking at boosting community events, including festivals and sport.
The Premier welcomed the visit by the Consul General and underscored the importance of the Greek community to Victoria’s social, cultural and political life. Mrs Lianidou said she was impressed with Melbourne’s vibrant multiculturalism.
