Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andreas Katsaniotis’ statements following the trilateral meeting between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt for Diaspora Affairs (Cairo, 14.11.2022)

I am delighted to be in Cairo today, where we just concluded the trilateral meeting between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt on Diaspora Affairs. I would like, first of all, to thank our host, the Egyptian Minister of State for Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs, Ms Soha Gendi, for the hospitality and excellent organization of this meeting. As expected amongst good friends, we had another round of excellent and fruitful exchange of views, on how to further strengthen and enrich our already excellent trilateral cooperation with new projects and initiatives

Our countries have a long and rich history, share common ideals and values and have developed strong ties in various fields. Moreover, they have an extremely active Diaspora, which excels and progresses abroad and which can be mobilized for the mutual benefit of our countries, projecting a unique form of “soft power”.

During our meeting today, we explored ways to undertake initiatives at the tripartite level that will further enhance our cooperation. We aim to engage our diasporas, to promote the cooperation of their members in our countries as well as in third countries, to participate in joint cultural and educational projects, and to provide targeted incentives for young people living abroad to learn the history and culture of our three countries.

Such trilateral schemes of cooperation that my country has introduced along with the Republic of Cyprus, underline our common interest for mutually beneficial development, growth and prosperity in the wider region. Greece will continue to serve as a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, on the basis of International Law and the International Law of the Sea.

I would like to thank my friends, Soha and Fotis, once again, for today’s constructive meeting. Greeks, Cypriots and Egyptians prove on a daily basis that they can successfully work together, and produce outstanding results in a multitude of fields. Today’s meeting reaffirms the mutual understanding between the Cypriot, Greek and Egyptian Diaspora and reflects on the friendly relations among our three countries throughout their millenia-long history.

Thank you