Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in an interview with the Greek-Australian newspaper “Neos Kosmos” published on Wednesday, focused on the current international developments, Greece’s role, the Greek diaspora, bilateral relations with Australia, and postal voting.

Firstly, he referred to the postponement of his planned visit to Australia due to developments in the Middle East. “My decision to postpone this visit was by no means easy. It had been planned for many months, and both my wife and I were very much looking forward to it. However, it was a responsible decision. As you know, the broader Middle East region is currently in the midst of an intense military conflict and, unfortunately, it would have been impossible for me to be away from my office for approximately a week, at a time when we are having to make critical decisions on a daily basis and to participate in European consultations on how to deescalate this crisis.

“Nevertheless, I would like, through your kind hospitality, to address the Greek community in Australia and emphasize that this visit is not canceled but merely postponed. We will soon seek to reschedule it, in coordination with both the Greek community in Australia and the Australian government. For me, Australia is not simply a country where Greeks reside – it is a living part of global Hellenism,” he stressed.

Referring to postal voting, the prime minister underlined that “we want the Greek diaspora in Australia – and indeed global Hellenism, though I am addressing you in particular – to participate and help shape developments in the motherland. There is no better way to do this than by ensuring that as many eligible Greek voters as possible take part in the next national elections through postal voting.”

Ahead of the European leaders’ Council in Brussels, Mitsotakis noted that Greece, from the very outset of the conflict, stood by Cyprus, deploying two frigates and two pairs of armed F-16 fighter planes in order to help protect it from potential attacks originating from Lebanon or Iran.

“This was a move of considerable strategic importance for global Hellenism. It also highlighted the need for broader European mobilization to protect European territory under threat. I am pleased that I visited Cyprus alongside President Emmanuel Macron, in a visit of strong symbolic value, demonstrating tangible support for Cyprus,” the prime minister stated. He added that the discussion is once again coming to the forefront regarding how Europe itself can assume greater responsibility for its own defense – what is commonly referred to as “European strategic autonomy.”

Referring to the subject of postal voting, he said it was good that the initiative was passed with 201 votes. “I mention this because several parties ultimately did not support this measure; this is something that Greeks in Australia should take into account when they head to the polls,” he remarked.

Regarding the impact on tourism, Mitsotakis stated that there was no cause for concern, encouraging Greeks in Australia who plan to visit Greece this summer to proceed with their arrangements.