The cities of Adelaide, South Australia, and Athens, Greece, have formally cemented a sister city partnership, marking a significant milestone for cooperation and cultural exchange.
The agreement was signed just ahead of the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro by Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for deepened collaboration in vital sectors, including culture, tourism, innovation, commerce, and environmental sustainability.
Lord Mayor Lomax-Smith highlighted the purpose of the agreement, stating on social media that the MoU, approved by the Council earlier this year, “will deepen cooperation between Adelaide and Athens in culture, tourism, innovation and sustainable urban living.”
and cityofadelaide/Instagram
The strong connection between Athens and Adelaide
This partnership holds particular significance due to Adelaide’s powerful Greek community. Adelaide is famously known as the ‘Athens of the South’ and ranks among the top three Australian cities—behind Melbourne and Sydney—by Greek population. This demographic reality ensures the partnership will be vibrant and well-supported locally.
The deep cultural link was personally acknowledged by Adelaide City Councillor Mary Couros, a key supporter of the initiative.
“As a Greek Australian, I’m honored to see the spirit of partnership and cultural exchange reflected in this important milestone,” she stated, emphasizing how the agreement reflects Adelaide’s profound multicultural character.
Greece’s Consul General in Adelaide, Dr. Alexandra Theodoropoulou, also hailed the MoU as “promising,” believing the collaboration across culture, education, innovation, and diplomacy will actively “make both cities better.”
Related: Could Athens Become Sister-City of Adelaide, “the Athens of the South?”
