Diaspora cooperation important to preserving peace says commissioner

Trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel on diaspora matters is vital in preserving peace, security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean for future generations, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou said on Wedensday.

He was speaking after meeting Greek American organisations American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), and Jewish American organisations B’nai B’rith and Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organizations.

“During their visit we had a productive and interesting discussion on all matters, discussing in particular the important and decisive role of the diaspora of the three countries in promoting our national issues in important decision-making,” Photiou said.

He expressed collective pride that all three countries have “diasporic communities with historic and impressive achievements,” saying they are bound by historic bonds, common values and traditions, but also common goals and hopes for the future.

A trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel on diaspora matters is important in further strengthening the already excellent relations between the three countries, which is why they are at the top of the agenda.

This cooperation will preserve peace, security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean for future generations, he added, while the US connection is “huge” in strengthening strategic bonds there.

The presidential commissioner said the meeting also covered ways to bring the diaspora communities of the three countries together, with an emphasis on younger people, “to showcase the history and culture of each of the three countries”.

Finally he thanked the associations for their support on the issue of missing persons, also pledging the government’s firm stance against antisemitism.

Later in the day Photiou and the other representatives will attend a Holocaust Memorial event to mark the closing of concentration camps, which will take place at the Cyprus-Greece-Israel friendship monument.