A trilateral meeting on diaspora issues is taking place on Thursday, in Athens, where Cyprus, Greece and Egypt are expected to decide about the continuation of their “Nostos” program, involving the respective diasporas of the three countries, either in America or in South Africa. While in the Greek capital, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou will also discuss bilateral cooperation with Kostas Vlasis, the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for Greeks abroad.
Speaking to CNA, Photiou said that during his bilateral meeting with Vlasis they are expected to discuss festivities for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus and the Greek Revolution Bicentennial, in countries with Greek and Cypriot diaspora.
They will also discuss the memorandum of cooperation on diaspora matters, signed last October between Photiou and the ex Greek Deputy Minister, Antonis Diamataris.
Photiou said, moreover, that they will discuss with Vlasis the details concerning an event to celebrate the Greek language, in Athens, along with other bilateral issues.
The trilateral meeting will follow immediately after, in the presence of Photiou, Vlasis and Nabila Makram, the Minister for Egyptian Expatriate Affairs. This is the first meeting of the three countries, taking place after the election of the new Greek government last summer.
The agenda of talks includes the “Nostos 4” program and according to Photiou, he will discuss with his counterparts the program’s theme and location, with America and South Africa being the two possible locations.
In case America is selected, the program will focus on challenges in the Mediterranean and the geopolitical dimension of the trilateral cooperation on security, energy, counter-terrorism and migration issues.
If “Nostos 4” is held in South Africa, then the focus will be on cultural links bringing people closer together, as well as on aspects of climate change, Photiou added.
The trilateral meeting will also discuss a visit of young people from the diaspora in the three countries. A similar visit was organized last summer with young people form Cyprus, Greece and Israel.
There is also a thought to organise for the first time an event in Alexandria, to celebrate International Greek Language Day, while at the suggestion of the Egyptian side, Photiou, Vlasis and Makram will also discuss the possibility of organising a festival in Cairo to celebrate culture, traditions and history.
CNA/AGK/GV/2019