Last Thursday, in a meeting that underscored the enduring bond between Greece and its diaspora, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, convened with the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis OAM.
The discussions held great significance for both the Diaspora and Greece, aiming to strengthen collaboration between Australia and Greece with the Greek Australian Diaspora acting as a vital conduit.
During the meeting, Bill Papastergiadis expressed unwavering support from the Diaspora to aid Greece considering the devastating fires that continue to ravage the country. He highlighted the commendable efforts of numerous Australian and Greek Australian media organisations and community groups that have historically provided aid for relief projects in Greece, reaffirming their commitment to continuing this support. Papastergiadis extended gratitude to the Greek Volunteer Firefighters Association, “with whom the GCM has cultivated a close partnership over the years.”
A significant moment arose when the Prime Minister addressed the issue of voting rights for Greek citizens residing abroad. He made a firm announcement that his New Democracy government would pass laws on Monday to grant every Greek citizen the right to vote in Greek elections.
“We will pass laws on Monday so that every Greek citizen, no matter where they live, can exercise their democratic right to vote,” stated Mitsotakis.
Papastergiadis, an advocate for extending the franchise through voting rights for Greek citizens living abroad, hailed the announcement as “a significant step towards empowering the Diaspora and reinforcing their connection with their homeland.”
Further delving into the dialogue to reinforce bilateral ties, Papastergiadis addressed various issues, including the prospect of a reciprocal health agreement, expanding academic collaborations between Greek and Australian universities, and the significance of a double taxation agreement.
The meeting also involved discussions on enhanced cultural exchange programs and reciprocal educational opportunities, emphasising student exchanges at both high school and tertiary levels.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis assured that he would raise these and other pertinent issues when he meets the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
“I will arrange a personal discussion with Prime Minister Albanese on how we can expedite these issues,” asserted the Greek prime minister.
He went on to acknowledge the “historical significance of the relationship between the two countries” and reaffirmed his commitment to visiting Australia during his current term.
In response to the productive meeting, the president of the GCM pledged to “work closely with the Greek government” and expressed a shared commitment to “furthering Greek culture and language, which are of paramount importance to Australia and the world.”
In turn, Mitsotakis arranged meetings between Bill Papastergiadis and relevant Greek ministers to address these issues directly.
The meeting between Papastergiadis and Mitsotakis marked another milestone in the enduring relationship between Greece and its Diaspora in Australia. The Community president told Neos Kosmos that the GCM is dedicated to forging strong and fruitful relationships between the Greek Australian Diaspora and Greece.
“The Greek Australian Diaspora and their organisations are the perfect conduits for advancing the historic and warm relations between Greece and Australia,” he said.
“We are committed to stronger cultural, educational, and diplomatic ties that advance mutual prosperity and greater understanding between the peoples of Greece and Australia.”
Last week, Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ governing New Democracy party introduced a bill in parliament to be voted on next week, aiming to lift all restrictions on Greek citizens living abroad from voting in Greek national elections.
Papastergiadis said that this “significant” development will “further empower the Diaspora and enhance their engagement with the democratic processes of their homeland.”
