The Ambassador of Australia to Greece conducted outreach visits to the islands of Kos and Kalymnos

Last week, the Australian Ambassador to Greece, Her Excellency Ms. Alison Duncan, visited the islands of Kos and Kalymnos, places of origin of many Greeks from the fifth continent and, by extension, important links in the chain of Greek-Australian friendship.

Kos is home to a large Australian community and Ambassador Duncan was delighted to catch up with many of them while she was there. She had productive meetings with the Mayor of Kos, Mr Theodosis Nikitaras, and the Sub-Prefect for Kos and Nisyros, Ms Konstantina Svinou. Ambassador Duncan extended her sympathies for the recent fires that had been experienced on the island and her congratulations on the speed and efficiency with which they were managed by the local authorities.

Discussions touched on the significant contributions of the Greek-Australian community in Kos, the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration. Ambassador Duncan also had the opportunity to visit some of Kos’s marvels of the ancient world – the breathtaking Asclepion, the Roman Odeon, and the Archaeological Museum.

Kalymnos is an island of huge significance to Australia, particularly the city of Darwin where Kalymnians make up around 10% of the population. Ambassador Duncan was touched to hear from Mayor Ioannis Mastrokoukos the enormous importance the island attached to its links with Australia. She also had excellent meetings with Deputy Mayor Ms Kalliopi Voutouzi-Volgezang; Sub-Prefect for Kalymnos, Mr Manolis Mousselis; and His Eminence Metropolitan Paisios of Kalymnos, Leros and Astypalea.

Ambassador Duncan stopped by the house where celebrated Australian authors, Charmian Clift and George Johnston, lived in the 1950s and was treated to a tour of the Sponge Museum with the Director of the Kalymnos Municipality Tourism Office and passionate Greek-Australian, George Hatsismalis. Ambassador Duncan commented how lovely it was to meet so many Australians on the island and hear their stories of migration, repatriation and love for the two countries.