Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou and Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens Quick will meet on Wednesday in Nicosia to coordinate their cooperation on diaspora matters. Among others, they are expected to discuss the possibility of extending the bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Romania, to include Greece as well.
The two sides will also discuss the planning of events to celebrate International Greek Language Day.
Speaking to CNA, Photiou also said that efforts are underway to register the Greek Language Day at UNESCO.
“Tomorrow’s meeting on a bilateral level will deal with issues arising from the memorandum the two countries have signed” he said.
He added that next month the first International Greek Language Day events will take place in Cyprus and Greece. The Day is celebrated on February 9, in honor of poet Dionysios Solomos. The two sides will also discuss other events in London, New York and in cities throughout Australia with significant diaspora population, as well as in Italy.
The effort is to establish these events on an annual basis, with the contribution of local diaspora organizations, Photiou noted.
He also said that together with Quick they will also talk about trilateral cooperation with other countries, beyond the existing schemes. Photiou referred in particular to the possibility of extending the bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Romania, with the addition of Greece. “It seems that there is a consensus in both countries to hold a trilateral meeting in March with Greece and Romania” he added.
Moreover, Photiou said that they will discuss common activities in Australia, beyond the next “Nostos 3” program which Cyprus, Greece and Egypt plan together. In particular, Greece and Cyprus plan to attend jointly Greek Independence Day celebrations in Australia. Photiou and Quick will also discuss online language and history courses, which Nicosia already provides for the youth in cooperation with the Open University of Cyprus.
Finally, he said that the possibility of establishing a Scientific Council with members from the diaspora will also be on the table.
On Wednesday afternoon Photiou and Quick will fly to Cairo, to attend a trilateral meeting with Nabila Makram, the Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates` Affairs.
