Greece and Canada to Further Strengthen Tourism Relations

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau. Photo source: Press Office, Greek PM

Greece and Canada are keen on strengthening cooperation in tourism, the prime ministers of the two countries agreed on Sunday.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to Canada from March 24 to 25.

Mitsotakis’ official visit to Canada was the first since his election as Prime Minister of Greece in 2019. It was also the first time a Greek Prime Minister had visited Canada in almost 41 years, in four decades.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed advanced cooperation in shared interests, including trade and investment, climate action, tourism, and creating good, middle-class jobs.

Photo source: Press Office, Greek PM

“The potential for further growth in trade and investment between our countries remains strong, including in sectors such as aerospace, defense and security, professional training, and tourism,” Trudeau and Mitsotakis said in a joint statement.

“This will create more jobs in Canada and Greece and create more opportunity for our workers.”

Greek-Canadian Memorandum of Understanding in tourism

Trudeau and Mitsotakis agreed that tourism is a key driver of economic growth, job creation and cultural exchange for both Canada and Greece.

“We look forward to strengthening our engagement and collaboration in this area, including exploring a Memorandum of Understanding in tourism promotion that looks at sharing data on how to best increase tourist flows between Canada and Greece,” the two leaders said.

Moreover, Trudeau and Mitsotakis said the countries will collaborate on best practices to deal with the impact of natural disasters and climate change on the tourism sector.

Cultural ties

The prime ministers attending the Greek Independence Day Parade in Montréal. Photo source: Press Office, Canadian PM

During the meeting, PM Trudeau highlighted the strong bonds and close cultural ties between Canada and Greece.

“With nearly 300,000 Canadians of Greek origin and with many Canadians living, working, and studying in Greece, our relationship is tied together by our people,” the prime ministers agreed.

Canadians of Greek origin attending the Greek Independence Day Parade in Montréal. Photo source: Press Office, Greek PM

Trudeau then announced a $10 million investment for the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal to build a new community centre in the heart of Chomedey, Laval. The complex will be a space for the public, including the Greek community, to celebrate culture, tradition, and heritage.

Bilateral cooperation in emergency management

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking during a reception hosted by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montréal. Photo source: Press Office, Greek PM

Moreover, the prime ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in emergency management and public safety. During the visit, Greece purchased seven DHC-515 firefighting planes as an important step forward in joint efforts to tackle wildfires and an example of the robust partnership between Canada and Greece.

As NATO Allies and steadfast partners, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing peace, stability and prosperity worldwide, including in Ukraine and the Middle East. They also recognized the impacts of climate change and committed to deepening partnership to address this global challenge.

Trudeau also welcomed Greece’s recent legalization of same-sex marriages. Canada and Greece affirm their commitment to supporting LGBTQ rights at home and around the world.

Photo source: Press Office, Greek PM

“Canada and Greece hold a shared commitment to building a better future. Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ visit will deepen our friendship as we create good jobs, grow trade, tackle climate change, and protect democracy,” Canada’s PM said.

During Mitsotakis’ visit, the prime ministers emphasized the common values and close ties that unite Canadians and Greeks.

They attended a service at Evangelismos Tis Theotokou Orthodox Church, participated in the Greek Independence Day Parade, and met with the Greek-Canadian community of Montréal.

“On this Greek Independence Day, we look forward to advancing this relationship – and making life better for all those who call our countries home,” Trudeau said.

According to the press office of the Canadian PM, an estimated 270,000 Canadians are of Greek descent.

Canada and Greece have maintained diplomatic relations for over 80 years. In 2023, Canada’s two-way merchandise trade with Greece reached a record $585 million.