PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER J12/ 92
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP
HONORARY AWARD TO GREEK PRIME MINISTER
I wish to record my delight at the appointment of the Prime
Minister of Greece, Mr Constantine Mitsotakis, as an
Honorary Companion in the Order of Australia ( AC) for
eminent service to Australian-Greek relations.
Mr Mitsotakis has had a long and honourable career in Greek
politics, first becoming a member of the Greek Parliament i~ n
1946. He was appointed Prime Minister in April 1990.
Mr Mitsotakis has demonstrated over a long period of time
strong personal commitment to furthering the bonds which
exist between our two countries. Such bonds are further
strengthened by the family, cultural and economic links
which have been developed by both the people of Greece and
the many thousands of Australians of Greek background.
In taking such a personal interest in the recent
commemoration of the Battle of Crete and Greece,
Mr Mitsotakis has contributed to a strengthening of the
special relationship between Australia and Greece which was
forged in th~ e comradeship of the Second World War.
This award serves to underline the importance and strength
of these ties, which I and Mr Mitsotakis are committed to
maintaining and developing further in the years ahead. I
warmly congratulate Mr Mitsotakis, and look forward to
working with him in the future.
6 February 1992