Cyprus, Greece and Israel to discuss diaspora cooperation

The role of diaspora organizations in decision-making centers abroad, and activities for youth and culture are on the agenda of the 6th Cyprus-Greece-Israel trilateral meeting on Diaspora cooperation, taking place on Monday in Athens. Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou, Greek Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister responsible for Diaspora Greeks Kostas Vlasis and Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog will attend the meeting.

The role of the three countries’ diaspora is crucial with regard to developments in decision-making centers of various countries affecting our region, but also due to developments in the region itself, Photiou told the Cyprus News Agency.

“One of the issues that we will discuss at the trilateral meeting is how to extend our diaspora cooperation in all countries with existing organized diaspora organizations.”

He brought the example of Greek, Cypriot and Israeli diaspora organizations cooperating in the United States and referred to the “Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act” or “East Med Act” which was successfully signed by President Trump.

Cooperation among our diaspora organizations is taking a similar form in other countries as well, particularly in the UK, but also in Australia and Canada, he added.

“One of the issues that we will discuss at the trilateral meeting is how to extend our diaspora cooperation in all countries with existing organized diaspora organizations of the three countries,” Photiou said.

Referring to geopolitical developments in the region, he said moreover that these organized groups, in consultation with one another, may play a role in decision-making centers on a number of issues affecting the region and the three countries.

“We want to act in a way that will enable the three countries to further contribute to stability, peace and prosperity in the broader region” the Presidential Commissioner noted.”

He also said that with Vlasis and Herzog they will also discuss the possibility of organizing a conference either in Cyprus, Greece or Israel, with the participation of distinguished diaspora members, to debate geostrategic developments and challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“We want to act in a way that will enable the three countries to further contribute to stability, peace and prosperity in the broader region” the Presidential Commissioner noted.

Photiou said that cooperation is not limited to political developments but extends to issues concerning youth and culture.

“We pay particular attention to issues concerning the new generation and youth,” he said, adding that in Athens they will discuss a series of relevant activities and events.

Cooperation on diaspora also extends to the business level and tourism, always in coordination with the competent Ministries and Services of the three countries, Photiou concluded.