Nicosia: Deputy Minister of Culture, Clea Papaellina, highlighted the significance of the cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the People's Republic of China in protecting cultural heritage, during her address on Tuesday at a joint workshop on 'Archaeological Science' of the National Centre for Archaeology (NACA) and The Cyprus Institute (CyI) that took place in Nicosia.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Papaellina noted that "the regular exchange of professionals and academics in the fields of Archaeology and Heritage Management provides valuable opportunities not only for the exchange of expertise and the development of academic thought, but also for strengthening our understanding of the common values that connect our two countries."

She further pointed out that "the Republic of Cyprus, through the Department of Antiquities, the competent authority for the protection, preservation and promotion of the archaeological heritage of Cyprus, has a long-standing history of bilateral cooperation with the People's Republic of China." She also said that in 2014, the two countries signed an Agreement on 'Preventing the Theft, Clandestine Excavation and Illicit Import and Export of Cultural Property', which remains in effect to this day. "This agreement has provided an important framework for our cooperation in safeguarding our archaeological heritage," she added.

Culture Deputy Minister went to say that "as part of this cooperation, a number of exchanges between professionals and institutions from our two countries have taken place, further strengthening our shared commitment to the protection of cultural heritage." She further noted that a particularly important milestone was the official visit of the Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism and the Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China to Cyprus, in May 2023.

"As an outcome of this visit, a Memorandum of Understanding is being prepared for the exchange of expertise in the conservation of wall paintings. This is a particularly important development, as it opens new avenues for our specialists to share knowledge, experience and best practices in the preservation of our common cultural heritage," she emphasised.

She also recalled that in 2015 a temporary exhibition entitled 'The Qin-Han Dynasties of China and Roman Cyprus: Aspects of Life of Two Distant Worlds' was held at the Archaeological Museum of the Lemesos District, co-organised with Arts Exhibition China.

"Such initiatives demonstrate that archaeology is not simply about the study of the past. It is also a means of bringing people and cultures together. Through the study, preservation and presentation of our cultural heritage, we can better understand one another and build lasting bridges between our societies," Clea Papaellina pointed out.

In addition, she congratulated Dr Stavros Malas and the entire team of the Cyprus Institute for their tireless work and their important contribution to the promotion of Cyprus's archaeological heritage. "Through their efforts, they are showcasing the remarkable work currently being carried out in Cyprus in the fields of cultural heritage protection and archaeology, while also contributing to the development of new and innovative approaches to the study and preservation of our past," she noted.

"Ancient civilisations may belong to the past, but the knowledge, values and cultural connections they have left us continue to shape our future," she added.