The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) welcomed Deputy Foreign Minister for Hellenes Abroad Yiannis-Michail Loverdos to its Lakemba headquarters on Tuesday, in a milestone visit that marks the first by Greece’s Deputy Minister for the Diaspora to Australia and New Zealand.
In a cordial working meeting with the GOCNSW board, Loverdos underlined the government’s commitment to closer engagement with Greek communities across Australia.
“We came fully informed and determined to address the challenges facing the diaspora,” he said.
“The Prime Minister is committed to building stronger bridges with the Greek communities of Australia and New Zealand. We need all of you to support Greece and for Greece, in turn, to support you.”
Loverdos also announced the government’s intention to designate 29 April, the birthday of poet Konstantinos Kavafis, as Greece’s National Day of the Diaspora, recognising the global Greek community’s role in preserving and promoting Hellenism.
GOCNSW president Harry Danalis welcomed the delegation and highlighted the Community’s long record of advocacy and services, stressing priorities including education, cultural initiatives, voting rights and consular services.
“Our goal is to keep representing the needs and aspirations of our community and to strengthen our shared bonds with Greece,” Danalis said.
GOCNSW secretary and Greek Festival of Sydney chair Nia Karteris outlined the impact of the Festival and the Greek Film Festival (30th edition this year) in promoting culture and strengthening ties with the homeland. Loverdos praised their contribution and said the Greek government would work to ensure appropriate recognition and support.
Treasurer Chris Belerhas emphasised the importance of “soft diplomacy” through culture, language and sport, noting these platforms build cohesion and share Greek values with the wider Australian public.
The visit concluded with an official dinner in honour of the Deputy Minister and his delegation, during which commemorative gifts were exchanged.
Loverdos was accompanied by Athanasios Balermpas (Secretary General for Home Affairs & Organisation, Ministry of Interior), Dimitrios Karnavos (Secretary General for Citizenship), Aikaterini Ouli, Zoi Tsirakopoulou, Alexandros Arapetsikas and Georgios Apanomeritakis.
Also attending were Ambassador of Greece to Australia Stavros Venizelos, Consul General in Sydney Georgios Skemperis, Press Counsellor Athanasios Lambrou, and Trade Commissioner Anastasia Christofilopoulou.
