The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis OAM, held a significant meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgos Kotsiras, where they discussed a range of bilateral agreements and cultural programs.

During the meeting, the Deputy Foreign Minister expressed his commitment to visiting Australia in the near future.

In one of his initial engagements with diaspora representatives since assuming his ministerial role, Bill Papastergiadis raised various concerns on behalf of the GCM Board.

Also present at the meeting was Giannis Chrysoulakis, the General Secretary for Greeks Abroad.

Key topics of discussion included the finalisation of bilateral agreements, cultural and sporting exchanges, as well as educational programs for students and teaching professionals.

Notably, the need for a bilateral Health Agreement was emphasized, recognising the current hesitancy of the Australian government in this regard.

The importance of concluding the Double Taxation Agreement in the coming months was also highlighted.

Papastergiadis highlighted the recent success of the University agreement facilitated by the GCM at the Hellenic Medical Conference, held at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

This agreement involved the Universities of Melbourne, Athens, and Patras, facilitating medical student and professorial exchanges between their respective faculties.

The President suggested expanding this agreement to include other disciplines, particularly the Humanities Faculties.

Chrysoulakis acknowledged the triumph of the current cultural tour of Greece for students, which was jointly funded by the GCM and the Greek Foreign Ministry.

The meeting concluded with the mutual commitment to pursue similar initiatives in the years to come.

Other matters discussed included the need for additional staff at the consulate, continued art exchanges between the two countries, with a focus on artist residencies.

The topic of voting rights for the diaspora was also raised, urging the abolition of existing restrictions and the exploration of postal voting options to accommodate citizens living far from consulate offices.

The GCM Board will follow up on these matters by providing written confirmation and ensuring appropriate actions are taken.