Terens Quick was pleasantly surprised during his visit to the Parliament of Australia. The Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs was formally welcomed by Ms Julia Banks MP, Federal Member for Chisholm, who addressed him in the Greek language.
Mr Quick was escorted by the Greek Ambassador to Australia, Ekaterini Xagorari. It was the first time foreign dignitaries have been welcomed in the Greek language to the House of Representatives during Question Time.
Mr Quick’s visit was an opportunity for him to meet Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and get to know the work of the Australia/ Greece Parliamentary Group, chaired by Ms Banks. He then had meetings with Arthur Sinodinos, as well as with Greek-Australian Labor MPs Steve Georganas and Maria Vamvakinou.
“Greek-Australianshave a proud and rich history and have made a valuable contribution to Australia and helped shape our diversity”, said Ms Vamvakinou, after the delegation’s meeting with Bill Shorten.
The Opposition Leader and the Greek Deputy Minister had the opportunity to exchan ge views on foreign politics, on the state of the Greek economy and the important history of Greeks in Australia.
Mr Shorten repeated his stance to oppose any cuts to the pensions of Greek Australians travelling overseas for more than six weeks.
Photo: Sahlan Hayes – Official Photographer to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull
