New York:Prominent members of the Cypriot diaspora were honored at a gathering organized by Cypriot organizations at the 'Terrace on the Park' in New York on Friday evening.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the event was attended by President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, alongside Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Washington Evangelos Savva, and Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations Ambassador Maria Michael.

Awards were presented to notable members of the diaspora, with Despina Axiotakis and Stavros Kamilaris receiving Community Service Awards. John Josephakis, Global Vice President at NVIDIA, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kyriakos Papastylianou, President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), spoke about the enduring ties between the Cypriot diaspora and Cyprus, the efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue, and the expansion of relations between Cyprus and the United States. He emphasized that geographical distance does not weaken the ties of Cypriots abroad with Cyprus.

Papastylianou also highlighted the role of the Cypriot community in enhancing Cyprus-US relations across defense, security, economy, investment, and technology sectors.

Philip Christopher, President of PSEKA, acknowledged the vital contribution of the organized diaspora. He noted that the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations, founded in 1951, has consistently worked towards 'freedom and justice' in Cyprus. He remarked that Cyprus is now a strong strategic partner of America, emphasizing cooperation among Greek Cypriot and Greek American organizations.

The event was also attended by Greece's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, and Greece's Consul General in New York, Ambassador Ifigenia Kanara.