President Katerina Sakellaropoulou of the Hellenic Republic announced her plans to visit Australia in the coming months, as reported by Neos Kosmos.
In a comprehensive interview with ERT‘s Apostolos Mangiariadis, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Democracy, Sakellaropoulou reflected on the profound connections she has felt with the Greek Diaspora during her presidency.
“I have experienced very moving moments with the Hellenism of the Diaspora. They are everywhere, even in the Baltic States, but Southern Italy stands out emotionally,” she shared.
When asked why, Sakellaropoulou explained, “In Southern Italy, you see Greeks who have been there since antiquity. I witnessed mayors addressing me with such emotion, representing the President of the Hellenic Republic. The events in all the villages where I traveled were incredibly touching. The locals, speaking their beautiful Italogreek dialects, were moved to tears.”
Sakellaropoulou hinted at a potential visit to Australia this fall, emphasising the importance of maintaining connections with the Greek Diaspora.
“The expatriates really value this contact with state and political leaders, and as President, these moments are truly moving because you see that they carry Greece with them, often in an idealised image.”
Reflecting on the history of the Greek State, Sakellaropoulou highlighted the enduring strength of the Diaspora.
“The Greek Diaspora has always been our strength. Even during the crisis years, with half a million Greeks, perhaps the most dynamic part of our society, living abroad, we must find ways to utilise this strength.”
Sakellaropoulou also expressed hope for the future, acknowledging the contributions of the younger Diaspora.
“We are pleased to see Greeks thriving and creating everywhere. We hope that conditions in Greece will improve so that many can return because we need them to move forward,” she said.
The Greek Diaspora remains a vital part of the nation’s identity and strength.
President Sakellaropoulou’s potential visit to Australia underscores the importance of these connections and the hope for a prosperous future for Greeks both at home and abroad.
