Mr. Evangelos Meimarakis, the Speaker in Greek Parliament, praised the work of Greek MPs in foreign countries at the World Hellenic Inter-parliamentary Association (WHIA) this week.
Mr Meimarakis underlined the need for further cooperation with the Australian and Greek Parliament in order to have ministers take on an ambassadorial role for Greece in their own parliaments.
He said to the delegation, “You make us feel proud knowing that you are our best ambassadors in your countries.
“I think the Greek MPs of foreign parliaments can play a very important role in Greek times, let alone during the difficult period in our country now,” he said.
The Speaker wanted to expand on the friendship already established and use it to be a voice of Greece.
“It is a process that should not be left simply in a typical friendship but should become more effective and more efficient,” he said.
Victorian MP and head of the Association John Pantazopoulos chaired the meeting and congratulated the Speaker on taking office.
He stressed that as Greek expatriates, our influence lies in being united.
“The Greeks have excelled at all areas they peruse, whether it is scientific or political.
“Our strength is when we are united,” he said.
Mr Meimarakis mentioned that although we might find ourselves far away, the distance makes for a more informed and level headed counsel. “You have the privilege of distance characterizing your view. This allows you to see the Greek reality with more clarity and give us the necessary advice,” he said.