Cypriot Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Overseas Cypriots Fotis Fotiou and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister for Diaspora Greeks Antonis Diamataris expressed the need for organising a conference on Greek language in Athens.
Fotis Fotiou and Antonis Diamataris met today at the Office of the Presidential Commissioner in Nicosia as part of the Greek Deputy Minister’s official visit to Cyprus.
In their joint statements shortly after their meeting, Fotis Fotiou said they had a very productive and constructive debate on issues falling within their competence.
He added that the goals are common “so we coordinate in order to be more efficient and productive.”
The Cypriot Commissioner said Greek diaspora is one and “a great weapon” to promote the two countries’ interests.
He said that “we want the new generation of our diaspora to remain attached to its roots, to know its history and culture,” noting that “learning the Greek language is crucial for this purpose. This is why we will support this effort with both schools and churches.”
He also stressed that during their meeting they had the opportunity to discuss the progress made so far regarding the two countries’ trilateral cooperation with other countries on diaspora issues and especially, as he said, with Israel, Egypt and Armenia.
On his part, the Greek Deputy Minister expressed the need to organise a conference on Greek language in Athens. He also referred to his very close ties, as he said, to Cyprus from a very young age.
“The time has come to realise the role, importance and contribution of Diaspora Greeks,” he said. He also referred to the moral and national obligation of the two countries towards Greek diaspora.
Source: ANA-MPA
