Deputy ministers and officials from Greece and other countries addressed the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora on Wednesday with messages for cooperation with Cyprus on the issue of diaspora.
Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Chrysoulakis said that a very important part of Hellenism, which is the Cypriot diaspora, is gathered at the conference.
He praised expatriates who turned their values and traditions into progress, in social and professional advancement in their new homelands, referring to admirably creative people, brilliant scientists, highly capable businessmen with the heart and mind in their homeland which is still divided.
Regarding the 120 young men and women of NEPOMAK, he said that when young people take over, Hellenism is not afraid of anything and urged them to become guardians of their heritage.
With regard to cooperation with Cyprus on diaspora issues, he said that with Presidential Commissioner Fotis Fotiou they have taken many steps and are planning even more, such as bilateral and trilateral agreements, exhibitions, concerts, gastronomy and new joint educational programs and programs for diaspora children. The President of the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad of the Hellenic Parliament, Savvas Anastasiadis, sent the message that Hellenism is united, indivisible, timeless and strong.
As he said, after the alliances and agreements achieved by Greece and Cyprus in the last years, the two countries are stronger than ever. He added that Greece and Cyprus can adequately respond to the challenges they face.
Referring to Turkey’s challenges, he said that the need for Greece-Cyprus cooperation in the field of diaspora is clearer than ever, as well as the joint strengthening of national issues and interests, in the modern geopolitical context of uncertainty in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean. He also stressed that the current government of Greece promotes the further upgrading of ties with the Hellenism around the world.
State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nemanja Starovic said that when he came to Cyprus, he had two ideas. The first one, as he said, was to learn about the institutional framework and good practices on diaspora that Cyprus has, as Serbia has a large diaspora which is not as organized as the Cypriot diaspora. He praised the diaspora agreement signed 3,5 years ago between Serbia and Cyprus with many activities that the two countries could do together.
The second idea, as he said, was to make an appeal especially to young people when they come back home to try to make an outreach to their neighbors belonging to the Serbian community.
High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs of Armenia Zareh Sinanyan referred to Armenia, Greece and Cyprus that have signed a memorandum of cooperation on diaspora issues. He added that there are great prospects of cooperation with the Cypriot diaspora in protecting the common interest around the world, creating youth and professional networks and closer cooperation between the youth of Cypriot and Armenian diaspora in the countries they leave.
Referring to Turkey’s growing aggressiveness, he said that it is imperative that Greece, Cyprus and Armenia increase the level of cooperation in all areas, including diaspora relations.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, responsible for Diaspora issues, Georghe-Florin Cârciu referred to the MoU signed between Cyprus and Romania.
He expressed his support in supporting the diaspora of the two states. He added that Romania has a very large number of citizens abroad and that in Cyprus it has a well-integrated community.
He said that the Republic of Cyprus is a good model in terms of the relationship of members of the its communities abroad, being a good example for Romania.
Source: Cyprus News Agency