Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis Congratulates Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Re-election, Hails Greek-Australian Ties

In a formal letter, Mitsotakis praised the strong ties between the two nations, commended the Greek Australian community, and reaffirmed shared commitments to democracy, peace, and international law.

Following the outcome of the recent Australian federal election, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sent a letter of congratulations to the Honourable Anthony Albanese on his re-election as Prime Minister of Australia, reaffirming the strong relationship between the two countries and the role of the Greek Australian community in strengthening bilateral ties.

In his letter, Mr Mitsotakis stated:

“The Prime Minister warmly congratulates Mr Albanese on his re-election and highlights that Australia and Greece share bonds deeply rooted in history and a longstanding friendship, shaped through common struggles to defend freedom and democracy, as well as the shared commitment to maintaining peace and security, promoting international cooperation and upholding a rules-based order – always in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, including UNCLOS.”

Mr Mitsotakis also drew attention to the significant role played by Australia’s Greek diaspora in nurturing this friendship:

“I am proud to note that the vibrant Greek community in Australia has played and continues to play a vital role in further deepening this friendship.”

He concluded the letter with a forward-looking message of cooperation:

“I look forward to working closely with Mr Albanese to further enhance the cooperation between Greece and Australia, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, for the benefit of our peoples and for the advancement of our shared values.”

A Warm Diplomatic History

Greece and Australia have enjoyed formal diplomatic relations since 1953. Their collaboration stems from shared democratic values and military alliances during major conflicts such as both World Wars, including the pivotal Battle of Crete in 1941, where Australian soldiers fought alongside Greeks. This historical connection continues to be honoured through regular commemorations and educational initiatives.

The Greek diaspora in Australia — one of the largest globally — plays a central role in this relationship. With over 400,000 Australians identifying as having Greek ancestry, communities in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and beyond have shaped Australia’s cultural, business, and political life. Melbourne is widely considered the third-largest Greek-speaking city in the world.

Prime Minister Albanese’s Support for the Greek Australian Community

Anthony Albanese has consistently demonstrated support for the Greek Australian community during his tenure. In April 2025, he joined Archbishop Makarios, Greek diplomats, and community leaders for an Orthodox Easter lunch in Sydney, sharing the traditional greeting “Χριστός Ανέστη!” (“Christ is Risen!”) on social media, reflecting his connection with the community and its traditions.

In October 2024, Mr Albanese welcomed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia as part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s centenary celebrations. During the visit, the Prime Minister pledged $25 million in federal funding for the restoration of the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern and improvements to St Andrew’s Theological College — a gesture that was widely praised by the Greek Orthodox community.

He has also participated in Melbourne’s “Antipodes” Festival and attended OXI Day commemorations, honouring Greece’s WWII resistance, where he highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Diplomatic Engagement Between the Leaders

Prime Ministers Mitsotakis and Albanese first met in June 2022 at the NATO Summit in Madrid. At the time, they discussed their countries’ strong ties and shared interests, and Mr Albanese extended an invitation for a future visit to Australia by his Greek counterpart.

Their ongoing dialogue reflects the continued alignment between the two governments on major international issues, including support for the United Nations Charter and the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) — significant in both the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific contexts.

Looking Ahead

As both countries continue navigating complex global challenges — from regional security to climate resilience and migration — the message from Prime Minister Mitsotakis not only serves as a congratulatory gesture but also a commitment to strengthening a relationship built on respect, mutual interests, and the enduring presence of a vibrant Greek community in Australia.

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