Adelaide and Athens are set to strengthen their ties through a proposed sister city program, as outlined in a joint letter from SA-BEST MLCs Connie Bonaros and Frank Pangallo and supported by the state government.
The initiation of discussions with Athens regarding the framework of the proposal has received the green light from Adelaide City Council to potentially move towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim to enhance economic, business, and cultural cooperation between the two cities.
Highlighting the historical connection between Adelaide and Greece, Ms Bonaros emphasised the profound influence of Greek migrants who settled in South Australia during the 1950s and 60s.
She stated, “Adelaide and Greece share a strong and undeniable bond, which we believe can be further strengthened through a sister city program.”
The potential benefits of this collaboration extend beyond investment and tourism opportunities.
The proposal’s proponents envision a wide range of prospects in trade, tourism, education, science, and economic investment between Adelaide and Athens.
Similarly, Mr Pangallo reiterated the positive rebound of the Greek economy, attracting international corporations and presenting opportunities for skilled migration.
He also mentioned the imminent free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union, which could open significant business avenues for the two cities.
The support for a sister city program is not limited to the government.
During meetings in Athens, Mayor Kostas Bakoyiannis, Deputy Minister Dr Christos Dimas, and Professor Nikolaos Stampolidis expressed their desire to strengthen ties between Greece and South Australia.
They also appreciated the South Australian parliament’s efforts in advocating for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures and acknowledged the cultural, trade, and economic links between the two countries.
“I know through talking with him personally that Mayor Bakoyiannis is supportive of a sister city program as he sees it as an innovative way to further strengthen the economic, business, cultural and heritage ties between the two cities,” Mr Pangallo said.
“He is interested in exploring South Australia’s green energy innovations, waste management developments, efficient transport options, good governance practices, and planning initiatives. Dr. Dimas is keen on learning about the dynamic science and innovation environment at Lot 14, similar to the entrepreneurial and innovation hubs established in Athens and Thessaloniki.”
The proposal has gained support from the Hellenic Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s new SA chapter (HACCI SA), which has over 200 members, Ms Bonaros revealed. HACCI SA sees the sister city program as an opportunity to further promote economic growth and development, aligning with their core objectives and principles.
“South Australia also has a proud and strong history of Greek migrants contributing strongly to its development and growth – HACCI SA is a most recent example of that,” she said.
“HACCI SA is committed to supporting and promoting the sister city program as one of its key objectives and principles and is excited about the ongoing opportunities this could deliver to the broader SA community.
Lastly, Consumer and Business Affairs Minister, Andrea Michaels, in a letter to Lord Mayor Lomax-Smith, highlighted the enduring cultural bonds between Adelaide and Athens. She expressed her belief that the sister city relationship would bring numerous advantages for trade, tourism, education, science, and economic investment.
“Adelaide and Athens share cultural bonds that have existed since the mass migration of Greeks to South Australia in the 1950s and 60s. Through the establishment of a sister city relationship, we can build upon those bonds. I am of the view that a sister city relationship between Adelaide and Athens will result in many positives for trade, tourism, education, science, and economic investment between the two countries,” she said.
