Cyprus, Greece and Israel held on Monday, in Nicosia, their third trilateral meeting to evaluate actions aiming to coordinate their respective diasporas.
Presidential Commissioner for Overseas Cypriots Fotis Fotiou, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister Terence Quick and Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky also attended a round table discussion with youth representatives from the respective diasporas. In statements later, at the Presidential Palace, the three officials said they also discussed their forthcoming projects.
The next trilateral meeting will be held in Israel, at the end of autumn or beginning of winter and, as CNA learn, the first major project is expected to be revealed in the spring of 2018.
During the first meeting in Jerusalem we discussed the need for better coordination and cooperation in diaspora matters, said Fotiou, adding that last June, in Thessaloniki, the three sides have determined their course of action.
He also noted that cooperation in diaspora matters is of great importance, especially when promoting national interest in decision making centers abroad.
The Presidential Commissioner concluded by saying that Cyprus, Greece and Israel are factors of stability, peace and security in this important and volatile region.
Natan Sharansky conveyed from his part the appreciation of the Israeli Prime Minister towards the President of Cyprus and the Prime Minister of Greece, for their contribution in upgrading the dialogue and cooperation between the three countries.
The dialogue between the representatives for relations with the diasporas is part of the very important trilateral dialogue between Israel, Greece and Cyprus, said the Chairman of the Jewish Agency and added that “it is natural for us to be friends and partners, [being] the real democracies in this very problematic region”.
He explained that Israel is investing more and more in its diaspora, fostering contacts with the Jewish communities all over the world. “We are very glad to share our experience with our friends” Sharansky said, and noted that the Jewish diaspora is helping Greece and Cyprus to build their relations and their base with their respective diasporas.
Terence Quick noted from his part that the third meeting on diaspora matters was very decisive and that projects that will be put in action, have matured. Some important actions are being planned for the future, added the Deputy Foreign Minister, responsible for Greeks abroad.
Initiatives developed by the three countries aim at helping the young members of the diaspora understand their duty towards their countries, but also towards this region, where Greece, Cyprus and Israel are beacons of stability, Quick added.
In his remarks, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece also conveyed his sympathy towards the victims of the latest terrorist attack in Barcelona.