The Cyprus problem, but also energy, security and the humanitarian issue of the missing persons and problems faced by the diaspora, will be among the topics of discussion during the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots by the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) which begins on the 26th of July, with the physical presence of delegates.
The role of the diaspora as regards the Cyprus issue and the humanitarian issue of the missing persons are of key importance, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou told CNA. He stressed that this year marks the 20th anniversary since the foundation of NEPOMAK, which will be represented at the conference with 140 young men and women of the diaspora.
In this difficult political environment, with Ankara’s provocations and other international developments, the focus will be on the Cyprus issue, but other topics will also be discussed, he said.
On the 28th of July the central council of the conference will be briefed by the President of the Republic on the developments in the Cyprus problem as well as on energy issues.
“The role of ?verseas Cypriots as regards the Cyprus problem is of great importance and we have seen in recent years that the effort especially in the USA and the UK, in foreign decision-making centers, is decisive for our national interests”, he pointed out.
The Presidential Commissioner said that delegates will be informed about the Cyprus issue and Cyprus’ foreign policy by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Kasoulides and the Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou. Moreover, they will be informed about energy issues by Minister of Energy, Natasa Pelides, while they will meet with the head of the National Guard and with CIPA, the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency.
Other topics of discussion will be the problems faced by the overseas when issuing passports or IDs of the Republic of Cyprus, a discussion that will be held with the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior and the Commissioner’s Office. Photiou said that demand for Cypriot passports has grown after Brexit.
In addition, Photiou said that a special session on the issue of missing persons will take place, stressing that “this is an important chapter and we need the support of our diaspora”.
The Commissioner talked about the presentation of the electronic platform for the diaspora which will be presented for the first time at the conference and in which all expatriates will be able to register immediately afterwards.
The goal, he said, is not to see how many Cypriots are abroad, but rather to see where all these remarkable Cypriots are, our doctors, academics, scientists, businessmen who are “our best ambassadors abroad”.
He added that on the same platform there are also references on the language, history, and traditions so that the new generation can learn about its roots.
The conference will be attended by 220 people.
According to an official press release, the opening ceremony of the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots by the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) will be held on Tuesday, 26/7/2022, at Lefkosia Municipal Theatre. The conference will be celebrating 20 years since the foundation of NEPOMAK.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, will declare the opening of the conference at 7 p.m.
The Presidential Commissioner, Photis Photiou, the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, the Archbishop of Cyprus, Chrysostomos B’ and the Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Zetta M. Makri, will address the ceremony. The Head of POMAK, Andreas Papaevripides, the Head of PSEKA, Philip Christopher, and the President of NEPOMAK, Christos Tuton, will also address the ceremony.
The official media sponsor of the Conference is the CyBC, and the opening ceremony will be broadcast via live streaming, on the website of the Presidential Commissioner at www.commissionertothepresidency.gov.cy and by RIK 2 TV channel.
The Conference is conducted in cooperation with the Press and Information Office, the Cyprus Police and the Government Printing Office.
The Conference’s works that will be completed on Friday, 29th July 2022, are sponsored by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA), the Bank of Cyprus, PWC, the Hellenic Bank and PandP ice cream group.
This year’s Conference will be held at St Raphael Resort, in Limassol.
Source: Cyprus News Agency