Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos wrapped up his four-day tour of Australia with meetings at Sydney’s State Parliament with State Tourism Minister George Souris and MP Sophie Cotsis, also meeting with local administration personnel and members of the Greek Australian community at Sydney’s town hall.
Mr. Gerontopoulos then met with prominent Greek Australian entrepreneurs, and on Wednesday evening he spoke at an event hosted by the Hellenic Initiative, an initiative of top entrepreneurs of Greek origin throughout the world, aimed at attracting investments to Greece. Hellenic Initiative chairman Andrew Liveris was present at the event.
In his speech, Mr. Gerontopoulos stated the following:
“I am always filled with sentiment every time I meet with our brothers abroad. Today, my feelings are even stronger, because I have the honor of addressing the Hellenism of Australia and the U.S., and at the same time I have the pleasure of welcoming the Hellenic Initiative.
The Hellenic Initiative began in the United States, as the vision of prominent members of the Greek community and the philhellene community, and was officially inaugurated in Athens, in July 2012.
As everyone knows, Greece was among the first European countries to be impacted by the debt crisis, five years ago. Today, however, I am pleased to be able to confirm that Greece is leaving the crisis behind.
For the first time, we have achieved a significant primary surplus, and in 2014 we are expecting a significant positive economic growth rate. The structural reforms being implemented by the Greek government are resulting in the creation of a favorable investment and business environment.
I am pleased to see that the Diaspora is pulling together. We have to combine the support and know-how of the Greek Diaspora and the philhellene community. Above all, we must believe in our country’s potential. The Greeks of Australia, like the Greeks of the U.S., are famous for their patriotism, and I believe unswervingly that all of you will help decisively and in every way to support our nation’s recovery efforts.”
Mr. Gerontopoulos also visited Sydney’s Greek Australian St. Spyridon College, where, having toured the facilities with teachers, he talked with pupils who are learning the Greek language at the school.
Finally, Mr. Gerontopoulos attended the Kogarah and Hurtsville municipalities’ Greek flag-raising event.
March 27, 2014