ATHENS – GNUSA [Photo: Press Office of the Greek Prime Minister]
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on February 13 with Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Maximos Mansion, in a discussion that highlighted the government’s priorities for the Greek diaspora and the significance of the Prime Minister’s upcoming official visit to Australia.
The visit, scheduled to coincide with the March 25th celebrations, will mark the first time in many years that a Greek Prime Minister travels to Australia. Mitsotakis said that the trip will offer an important opportunity to connect with the “very dynamic Greek diaspora”.
A central point of the discussion was the government’s legislative initiative enabling Greeks living abroad who are registered in electoral rolls (including those residing in Australia) to vote by mail in the next national elections.
Mitsotakis expressed confidence that the provision would hopefully pass, “with a broad majority that appears to be forming in Parliament”. “I consider this to be a major historic achievement for Hellenism, and I look forward to strong participation, which will demonstrate in practice the interest of Greeks worldwide—and especially of the Greek community in Australia—in Greece’s domestic political developments”, he noted.
The Greek Prime Minister also expressed hope that, by the time of his visit, Greece and Australia will have reached an agreement in principle on the long‑awaited Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), an issue he has personally worked toward. He noted that “even if we have not formally signed it yet, we will at least announce the treaty, which is so important for Greeks who are active in Australia and, of course, for Greeks in Australia who wish to conduct business in Greece”.
In responding, Archbishop Makarios conveyed the satisfaction of the Greek community in Australia regarding the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit. “We are happy for this reason, and we truly await you with great joy, because your visit is proving not to be merely ceremonial but substantial. This is what the Hellenism of Australia wants and expects from you, and for that reason it is ready to welcome you with great joy and enthusiasm”.
“We are aware of everything you mentioned — that you are working, preparing, and taking care of these matters for the Hellenism of Australia. You are the Prime Minister of the diaspora, not only of Greece but of all Greeks, and we recognize and appreciate this and we look forward to welcoming you”, His Eminence added.
