The cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel continues to be the most significant pillar of stability, security, peace and welfare in the Eastern Mediterranean, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou said on Monday. He was speaking after the 6th Cyprus, Greece, Israel trilateral meeting on diaspora cooperation, that took place in Athens. Greek Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister responsible for Diaspora Greeks Kostas Vlasis and Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog also attended.
Speaking after the meeting, Photiou said that the trilateral cooperation on diaspora contributes in further strengthening the already excellent relations between the three countries and noted that the respective diasporas are significant in promoting national interests.
He said, moreover, that they have historic ties and share common values, traditions and aspirations. “We have a joint vision for our region,” Photiou went on.
Furthermore, the Presidential Commissioner expressed solidarity on the part of Cyprus and Greece towards Israel and its effort to fight Antisemitism. He referred in particular to a recent decision to adopt the working definition of Antisemitism, as employed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Regarding today’s decisions, Photiou said that with his interlocutors, they agreed to put forward concrete actions for diaspora youth, including a second joint root trip for young Jews, Greeks and Cypriots from the diaspora, as well as a meeting on March 15, 2021, in Thessaloniki, in the framework of Holocaust remembrance events.
They also agreed to organize a round table discussion with the participation of organized diaspora federations abroad.
“We want our organizations to work together in order to promote the joint interests of our three countries in important decision-making centers abroad” he said and brought the example of their cooperation in the United States.
The next trilateral meeting will take place in Nicosia.
In his statements, Vlasis said that the three countries created a trilateral cooperation scheme that promotes peace and stability in the Southeastern Mediterranean. He referred to the recent signing of the intergovernmental agreement concerning the EastMed pipeline project, with great significance for the whole of Europe, as the Greek Deputy Minister said. The project, he went on, confirms our willingness to promote peace, stability and regional cooperation.
Herzog said on his part that their cooperation has already brought about significant results and added that he was impressed with the dynamic approach of diaspora issues by Greece. He referred to the decision to promote a series of new actions, which will enhance and strengthen cooperation among diaspora organizations for the benefit of the Eastern Mediterranean and the relations among their people.
The Chairman of the Jewish Agency said finally that they discussed at the meeting the effort to fight Antisemitism, noting that there is globally a dangerous upward trend of hate, particularly hatred against Jews.
CNA-PIO-ANA-MPA/AGK/GV/2019
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY