PMs Mitsotakis, Trudeau attend Greek Independence Day parade in Montreal

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the March 25 parade of Greek Community associations of Greater Montreal, joined by his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, on Sunday (local time).

Following the parade, Mitsotakis said that he felt honored to attend the event, adding that “the heart of Hellenism beats very strongly here in Canada, and the message of March 25 reverberates lively and timely throughout the world and in Canada as well.”

His presence in Canada had an additional significance, he said, as it is the first time the decades-long dream of Greeks abroad to vote by mail from their permanent country of residence becomes reality. The Greek PM also thanked Trudeau personally for the opportunity to attend “this glorious parade, on this very important day.”

Trudeau, on his part, said that Greek Canadians form “an incredibly dynamic community” that has contributed greatly to Canada, while Greek Canadians also remain very proud of their Greek heritage, and “it is wonderful to be with you today.”

Earlier, the two leaders attended a celebratory liturgy for Greek Independence Day at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. Mitsotakis and Trudeau also paid visits to stores owned by Greek Canadians and chatted with them and with customers.

CTV interview

Also on Sunday (local time), Mitsotakis was interviewed by Canadian TV station CTV and journalist Vassy Kapelos.

He noted that his visit is the first by a Greek prime minister in nearly 41 years, and spoke about the relations between Greece and Canada and the free-trade agreement between the North American country and the European Union.

Mitsotakis also detailed the changes in Greece’s economic profile and the improved investment opportunities for foreigners in Greece. “We are a significant entry gate for liquefied natural gas (LNG), not just for the Greek market, but for the Balkans as well, and for Eastern Europe. Theoretically, we could even supply Ukraine,” he said.

The Greek PM is on an official visit to Canada concluding Monday.

SOURCE; ANA-MPA