Celebrating Friendship and Partnership: Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Visit Canada

Image Credit, Kyriakos Mitsotakis social media

On March 24th and 25th, 2024, Canada will have the honor of hosting the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as he visits Montréal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario. This significant state visit, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, symbolizes the deepening of friendship and partnership between two nations with a long history of collaboration and shared values.

As NATO Allies and steadfast partners, Canada and Greece are poised to reinforce their ties and explore avenues for further cooperation across various sectors. Prime Ministers Trudeau and Mitsotakis are expected to discuss matters of mutual interest, including trade and investment, climate action, and the creation of good, middle-class jobs. Additionally, they will address pressing regional and global challenges, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the defense of the rules-based international order, and the promotion of democracy worldwide.

The visit holds particular significance as it marks Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ first official trip to Canada since assuming office in 2019. It presents an invaluable opportunity to bolster the already strong relationship between the two nations, founded on shared values and the deep-rooted connections between their people.

Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his anticipation for the visit, highlighting the importance of collaboration between Canada and Greece in fostering economic growth, combating climate change, and safeguarding democratic principles. He emphasized the role of partnerships in enhancing the well-being of both Canadian and Greek citizens.

Canada and Greece have a history of close cooperation in various multilateral forums, including the United Nations, NATO, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Their alignment on key global and regional issues underscores the depth of their partnership and the shared commitment to upholding international norms and values.

The significance of the visit is further underscored by the substantial Greek diaspora in Canada, with an estimated 270,000 Canadians tracing their roots back to Greece. This strong cultural connection serves as a bridge between the two nations, fostering people-to-people ties and enriching the fabric of Canadian society.

In terms of economic collaboration, bilateral trade between Canada and Greece reached a record $585 million in 2023, reflecting the untapped potential for further growth and cooperation in trade and investment. Moreover, the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two countries, spanning over 80 years, provide a solid foundation for continued engagement and partnership.

As Prime Minister Mitsotakis prepares to embark on his visit to Canada, the occasion serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values between the two nations. It underscores the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration in addressing global challenges and advancing mutual prosperity and well-being.

The visit of Prime Minister Mitsotakis to Canada is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a celebration of the enduring bonds between two nations committed to building a better future for their citizens and the world at large.