Agreement between Greece and Australia on the double taxation agreement is near according to Greek ambassador for Australia George Papakostas, with the deal expected to be signed in 2024.
The ambassador made the announcement Wednesday December 6, at a special reception in his honour, held at the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Greek Centre. It was the Greek Ambassador’s first official visit to Melbourne.
The ambassador took up his post to Australia in 2019 and had not yet visited Melbourne, home to one of the world’s largest Greek Diaspora.
The president of the Community, Bill Papastergiadis, spoke about the history and activities of the GCM. At the same time, the consul general of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, gave a brief overview of the Greek Diaspora community of Melbourne.
The conclusion of the Greece-Australia double tax agreement will assist with developing more significant bilateral trade and economic relations. It has been something the GCM has been advocating for a long time, according to Ambassador Papakostas. The ambassador also said significant Greek public figures are expected to visit Australia in 2024.
“The President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Sakellaropoulou, is considering the possibility of visiting Australia,” said the ambassador.
He also talked about establishing scholarships for Greek Diaspora and programs for hosting Greek Australian youth in Greece.
On behalf of the Archdiocese of Australia, the Ambassador was welcomed by Bishop Evmenios of Kerasoundos, and Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis also attended.
Others in attendance included prominent members of the Greek-Australian community, state politicians, and Greek media.
Anthea Sidiropoulou, a Vice President of the GCM, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the ambassador’s actions to “strengthen bilateral relations between Greece and Australia.”
“The ambassador’s visit was not in the context of a diplomatic necessity but is a recognition of the importance of cultural diplomacy, as channels of communication between Greek and Australian societies are being strengthened.”
Papastergiadis, the GCM president, stressed the importance of the Diaspora in Australia, primarily Melbourne.
“Melbourne is a dynamic cosmopolitan metropolis, setting a pioneering example to achieve positive social outcomes. This model of multiculturalism should be part of the lessons on how different communities can come together and work together in harmony.”
He said that “the narrative of this multicultural city is not a fixed story, but a dynamic journey. It is a journey characterised by a spirit of change and progress. What awaits us is a city, a vision of sustainable development, and a thriving community.”
Papastergiadis also touched on several issues he raised in Greece during his meetings with the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mistotakis and other government ministers and officials.
These include the agreement to avoid double taxation, the expansion of relations between Greek and Australian universities to promote educational opportunities and cultural exchange programmes for students, the opening of a branch of the National Tourism Organisation of Greece (GNTO) at the Greek Centre and the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to our country.
Bishop Evmenios said: “It is a great honour to have Mr Papakostas with us today. It is a great pleasure to be here today to welcome Mr Papapakostas, who has played a leading role in promoting diplomatic relations and strengthening cultural ties between Greece and Australia. Our souls are united.”
The consul general of Greece, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, said Melbourne, apart from being the third largest Greek city in the world, “has a highly respected Greek community, which has achieved impressive things in recent years.”
“Beyond these achievements, there is a justified sense of optimism when we look to the future. The foundations are solid and firm for future endeavours.”
Ambassador Papakostas highlighted the relations between Greece and Australia in his speech. They said the “ties between the two nations are solid and constantly growing. The Diaspora acts as a bridge of connection with our homeland.”
Papakostas expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and the event in his honour. He also expressed his admiration for the copies of the Parthenon Sculptures that decorate the HCM building and the role played by the Community.
An honorary plaque was presented to the ambassador for his visit to the Greek Cultural Centre and his significant contributions to the Greek Diaspora.
While in Melbourne the ambassador also visited the the Australian Hellenic Memorial, and the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.
