In a lengthy meeting that transpired 30 minutes I met with the President of Greece. 

I spoke at length on numerous issues relevant to our organisation, the GCM but also noting the importance of all community groups working collegiately.  This cooperation I explained was a hallmark of the fabric of our broader community in Melbourne and Australia.  The President was enthused by the fact that there was collective action and participation in Melbourne and Australia. 

I referred to new projects that the GCM was embarking on including the theatre development along with refurbishing halls in various parts of Melbourne to enable multipurpose use. 

The President then touched on the current cultural tour of GCM students in Thessaloniki.  I thanked the work of Minister Loverdos in making this happen.  I said that this tour is a critical part of our youth engagement that builds bridges between our 2 countries and which has a broad spectrum of people participating.  

The President expressed a strong interest in our activities and a desire to visit Melbourne and Australia. 

The President of the Republic wished every success in the work and actions of the GCM, emphasising that the strengthening of the ties of the Hellenic diaspora with the motherland, as well as the further development of exchanges and cooperation between Greeks abroad and Greece, is a constant priority for the Greek State. 

I emphasised the importance of connection and cooperation between our two countries and how his visit would help this process.