Greece and Cyprus Sign Landmark Cultural Cooperation Agreement

Greece’s Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and her Cypriot counterpart Lina Kassianidou. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The first bilateral Cultural Cooperation Agreement between Greece and Cyprus was recently signed by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and her Cypriot counterpart, Lina Kassianidou.

The agreement, which solidifies the close, productive, and mutually beneficial cultural relations between the two countries, emerged from the 1st Supreme Cooperation Council held last November in Athens. The council was conducted under the auspices of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Greece and Cyprus strengthen cultural ties

Signed recently in Cyprus, the new agreement replaces previous memorandums of cooperation on cultural matters and represents a significant upgrade in the bilateral relationship.

“Deepening our cooperation in cultural matters is a shared goal. Greece and Cyprus, as two nations representing the same cultural heritage, are committed to the protection and promotion of our ancient legacy through our joint efforts,” Minister Mendoni said.

Promoting accessibility to heritage and culture

Photo source: Culture Ministry

The agreement highlights the use of innovative technologies to record and promote the cultural heritage of both countries. Minister Mendoni also underscored the importance of ensuring broad accessibility by opening all monuments, archaeological sites, and museums to the public.

The minister also highlighted the significance of addressing the illegal trafficking of precious artifacts, a pressing issue since the 1974 invasion of Cyprus. She noted that Cyprus’s invaluable cultural heritage had been “brutally” plundered.

“Both of our countries have suffered from the illegal export of cultural artifacts,” Mendoni stated. “It is crucial that we take unified action in international forums, such as the United Nations and UNESCO, to combat this issue.”

Sharing knowhow on culture, heritage, tradition

Lina Mendoni, laid a wreath in memory of those who fell fighting for the freedom of Cyprus at the Tomb of the Macedonian Lady. Photo source: Culture Ministry

On her part, Cypriot Deputy Minister of Culture Lina Kassianidou expressed her delight to Minister Mendoni’s visit to Cyprus for the signing of the agreement.

She reaffirmed that enhancing cultural cooperation had long been a goal.

“The development of culture and its role in attracting quality tourism contribute significantly to local development and economic strength,” she said.

The Cypriot minister also expressed eagerness to gain insights and best practices from Greece’s extensive experience in culture and civilization.

With Nicosia Archaeological Museum in mind

Noratlas type aircraft. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The cultural agreement emphasizes several key areas, including the establishment of archaeological museums with a particular focus on the new Nicosia Archaeological Museum. It also addresses the organization and exchange of periodic exhibitions.

The Ministry of Culture of Cyprus is keen to gain expertise from Athens on various initiatives, such as developing a Digital Archaeological Land Register, creating a national archive of artifacts, promoting arts and crafts in the handmade market, and involving Cypriot students in seminars in Greece on museum reproductions.

Additionally, the two ministers visited the monument of the “Mother of the Missing” and held a working meeting with Archbishop George of Cyprus.