Paris: The strong cultural ties between Cyprus and France were reaffirmed during a meeting between Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, and French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati. The meeting, which took place in Paris, was part of Kassianidou’s working visit, as detailed in a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Dati expressed gratitude towards Kassianidou for her support in promoting European cinema. This initiative was marked by a joint statement signed by the EU Ministers of Culture during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, advocating for a strengthened European film and audiovisual industry.
The discussions also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Cyprus’s Department of Antiquities and French archaeological missions. Both ministers explored avenues to bolster this cooperation further. Additionally, Cyprus’s involvement in the International Francophonie Association and the contributions of Cypriot artists in France were acknowledged.
Kassianidou outlined Cyprus’s cultural priorities in preparation for the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026. Accompanied by the Ambassador of Cyprus to France, Pavlos Kompos, and Ioanna Hadjicosti, Director of the Department of Contemporary Culture, Kassianidou engaged with key cultural institutions.
The delegation met with Gilles P©cout, President of the National Library, and Matthias Grolier, Director of the Louvre Museum. Kassianidou also attended the ‘Prix de la Fondation St©phane Bern pour le Patrimoine’ award ceremony at the Institut de France, where Brigitte Macron, France’s First Lady, presented the award.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister participated in the opening of the 7th International Handicrafts Biennale ‘R©v©lations’ at the Grand Palais. The Cyprus Handicrafts Service is participating in the event, curated by Dr. Savvas Christodoulides. This year’s participants include Cypriot artists Elena Adamou, Theodoulos Gregoriou, Ioanna Louka, and Lefteris Eleftheriou Tapas, showcasing innovative weaving and embroidery techniques.
Dignitaries such as Pavlos Kombos, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Culture Iason Fotilas, and other notable figures from the Greek and Cypriot communities in France attended the inauguration.
During her visit, Kassianidou also took part in a symposium titled ‘Towards a European Strategy for Crafts,’ organized by the European Craft Alliance and Ateliers d’Art de France. She emphasized the Cyprus Handicraft Service’s role in preserving intangible cultural heritage and supporting contemporary craftspeople.