In February, the President of the House of Representatives in Cyprus, His Excellency Mr Dimitris Syllouris and his delegation visited Australia as guests of the Australian Parliament. The delegation was accompanied by the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Her Excellency Mrs Martha Mavrommati.

During their six-day program in Australia, the delegation travelled to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, meeting with state parliamentarians, business leaders, academics and members of the Cypriot community in Australia. Discussions focused on trade and investment links.

While in Canberra, the delegation met with members of both the government and opposition to discuss issues of common interest, including trade and investment. The delegation met with the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and visited the Australian War Memorial for the Last Post Ceremony, where Mr President was invited to lay a wreath beside the Pool of Reflection on behalf of the people of Cyprus.

In Victoria, the delegation attended a lunch hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Colin Brooks and met with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce in Australia.

In New South Wales, the delegation visited the Cancer Research Centre of the University of New South Wales, where they met Professor Maria Kavallaris. They also met with representatives from the European Australian Business Council and attended a lunch hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Jonathan O'Dea.