Speech
Greece - State Visit
Mr President, distinguished guests. Tena koutou katoa. In the language of our Maori people, I greet you all.
I am honoured to be here in Athens. I deeply appreciate the welcome you have extended to myself and my husband Peter today. The special linkages between our countries were highlighted in June 2002 when President Constantinos Stephanopoulos made a visit to New Zealand. I had planned to visit here in 2004 but sadly I was unable to do so due to a family bereavement. Therefore I am particularly pleased to finally make it to Greece and I thank you for your invitation.
The ties that bind Greece and New Zealand are special and go back many years. Greece has a singular place in the mind and hearts of many New Zealanders. The battles that were fought here, side by side, are a major reason for that. We shared many experiences at a time of great danger. Our bonds are close and respectful.
Every year New Zealanders, young and old, travel to Greece and Crete to remember those who fought and lost their lives on Cretan soil. This year the New Zealand Minister of Police and a private group of New Zealand veterans attended the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. While I was unable to share in this important and moving commemoration, I have just spent a very satisfying weekend in Crete. I was able to pay my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1941 and express my appreciation to the Cretan community, who continue to provide us with an important opportunity to remember and learn from our past.
Greeks have also added to the vibrancy of modern day New Zealand. Greek immigrants from the '60s and '70s have played a vital role in making New Zealand the country of many cultures it is today.
In fact, the returned son of a Greek immigrant to New Zealand now represents New Zealand in Greece. Costa Cotsilinis performs a remarkable job for New Zealand in this country. He personifies in many ways the positive potential of the blending of New Zealand and Greek cultures.
Not long ago, the Prime Minister raised the question of how to build on these important linkages, which are deep but anchored in the past. As time passes and personal memories fade, we do not want distance to become a barrier to growing our friendship. As the EU continues to expand its membership, we are anxious that the ties that have bound us for more than 60 years do not loosen.
We also want to enhance the links between our economies and our peoples through trade, tourism and enhanced educational links. Given our cultural links and shared values Greece and New Zealand are well-placed to work together on global issues of concern.
Mr President, the hospitality of the Greek people is legendary and already I can see why. Thank you for this wonderful evening. I am greatly enjoying my visit to Athens and the opportunity it provides to refresh our historical relationship. May the friendship between our countries continue to flourish for many generations to come.
Tena koutou katoa.