The Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, who is travelling to Lemnos to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign, will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony of the ‘Lemnos Remembrance Trail’.
This represents the next step of an historic trip from Mr Hurley, his visit to Greece and the first time that an Australian Head of State has gone to Greece in over 20 years.
The Governor-General praised Australia’s historically close ties with Greece, as well as the significant contribution of the Greek Diaspora to the Antipodes, during meetings with Greece’s highest state and political officials in Athens.
Mr Hurley, during his speech at the State Lunch hosted by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, in his honour at the Presidential Palace yesterday (Tuesday), stressed the ongoing friendship between the two nations.
He added particular emphasis on the Lemnos Remembrance Trail, where he will be attending its Foundation ceremony today (Wednesday), which pays tribute to the ANZACs who lost their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign.
“The Trail is an initiative of the Australian Government which aims to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian personnel, including nurses and doctors, and to tell the story of the ANZACs so that visitors from abroad can understand why we consider Lemnos holy Australian land,” said the Governor-General.
Mr Hurley expressed his gratitude to the President of the Hellenic Republic, the Greek government and the Greek people in general for the warm welcome and hospitality, noting that his visit is the first by an Australian Head of State since Sir William Deane came on the eve of the Sydney Olympic Games.
Ms Sakellaropoulou acknowledged the common ideals and principles shared by both nations and the strong partnership that was first forged from the time of the Gallipoli Campaign.
“Those heroic soldiers, who were wounded at the front and received the care and dynamic support of the Lemnos islanders, are no longer alive, but the bonds remain strong and unshakable through the decades.
Both officials spoke on the united position each country has in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Hurley, with his wife, Linda, met with Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife, Mareva, at the Prime Ministerial residence Μέγαρο Μαξίμου on Tuesday.
During their meeting, the two spoke positively of the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, including an alignment on strategic outlook and stronger economic ties.
Mr Hurley also held a meeting with Shadow Foreign Minister Georgios Katrougalos.
