The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, met with Australian Federal MP Steve Georganas last week to discuss the development of a formal sister city relationship between Athens and Adelaide, marking a significant step in strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two cities.
The meeting, which took place on 19 July at the Athens Municipal Mayoral Office, was held in the spirit of cooperation and mutual interest.
Georganas, Member for Adelaide, delivered warm regards on behalf of Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM, the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Adelaide, as well as the Adelaide City Council. He also conveyed the Council’s enthusiastic support for the sister city initiative.
The discussion focused on finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) currently in draft form between the two cities.
“There are enormous benefits to both Athens and Adelaide in strengthening the bond between our two cities,” Georganas said, highlighting opportunities for people-to-people connections, business, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Environmental collaboration was also on the agenda, particularly in light of Adelaide’s bid to host COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference. While the host city is yet to be confirmed, Adelaide is currently the frontrunner.
Mayor Doukas expressed interest in attending should the bid succeed, noting both cities’ strong commitment to sustainability and climate action.
Reflecting on the long-standing connection between Greece and South Australia, Georganas further referenced the words of the late Premier Don Dunstan, who famously dubbed Adelaide the “Athens of the South.”
He added, “It is now fitting that our two cities, which have been intertwined for many years, formally recognise and build on this relationship.”
Further announcements are expected once the MOU is finalised and endorsed by both city councils.
