The visit of Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Ioannis Loverdos, to Australia and New Zealand is leaving a significant mark, aiming to strengthen Greece’s ties with the Hellenic diaspora of the southern hemisphere.
The tour includes a series of meetings with political and institutional representatives at both state and federal levels. Loverdos is accompanied by Stavros Venizelos, Greece’s Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand; Athanasios Balerbas and Dimitrios Karnavos, Secretaries General of the Ministry of the Interior; and Katerina Ouli, Director General of Citizenship.
Following his stop in Melbourne, Mr Loverdos visited Tasmania and the Holy Trinity Church in Hobart, where he engaged in warm discussions with members of the local Greek community. He emphasised that the goal of his visit was to identify issues and improve the quality of services provided by the Greek state to Greeks abroad.
The tour continues in South Australia, where in Adelaide Loverdos was scheduled to meet Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith today, and on the following day with Premier Peter Malinauskas, Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, and SmartSat Chair Professor Andy Koronios.
He will also visit the Consulate General of Greece in Adelaide and St George College, and attend receptions and luncheons with members of the Greek community, including Chris Kourakis, Andrea Michaels, Harry Patsouris, and Alex Demetriou.
The program will conclude in Perth, with visits to St Andrew’s Church, the local Greek school, and meetings with Governor Chris Dawson and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas.
