We are striving together for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the Pontic Genocide, as well as for the international condemnation of the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.Armenia, Cyprus and Greece have frequent and productive contacts. On this basis we will continue to cooperate closely and constructively both at trilateral and multilateral levels.
During our discussions today on the organization of joint events, we elaborated, inter alia, the following proposals:Dear friends,It is therefore a great honor and pleasure to be among good colleagues and friends in a place that has a strong historical significance in the field of Diaspora.Recognizing the value of cooperation, as well as the outstanding role of the Diaspora, we are taking yet another significant step today to strengthen trilateral cooperation on Diaspora affairs by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Our long-standing friendly relations are improving and expanding.Directly opposite us is the large port of Patras. The second largest port in Greece and the point from which the migration of mainly Greeks but also of several Greek Cypriots and Armenians began, first to America and then to Australia.Our countries have a rich historical background and strong spiritual and cultural bonds, enforced by the common orthodox faith.We are here today with the High Commissioner, Mr. Zareh Sinanyan and the Presidential Commissioner, Mr. Fotiou, whom I have welcomed to my birthplace.On the Cyprus issue, I take this occasion to emphasize that this is primarily an international issue of illegal invasion and occupation. For this reason, we wish to see a more robust demonstration of international solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus.Ladies and gentlemen,Furthermore, we look forward to the arrival in Athens of the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, on June 27.Finally, let me emphasize that the Memorandum of Understanding on Diaspora Affairs signed today is not a simple document. It is an act between true friends that reaffirms the mutual understanding between the Cypriot, Greek and Armenian Diaspora around the world.
And last but not least. Greece-Cyprus-Armenia we have common values, a common course. But we also have common experiences, common traumas. We have a neighbor who pursues politics through violence. A neighbor who fantasizes about fallen empires of the past. A neighbor who does not talk – threatens. That does not coexist – cares only about his existence.Our decision to mutually support our candidacies for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is indicative of the level and prospects of our cooperation.In this regard, I would like to thank you for your unwavering support and for your full alignment with the European Union’s positions on this issue. • Information and awareness events of the public opinion of other countries about the Pontian Genocide, the Armenian Genocide, as well as the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
• Joint cultural event by the Greek, Cypriot and Armenian Diaspora community in France and
• Organization of a World Forum on Diaspora in Yerevan
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The next trilateral meeting will take place in Armenia.Moreover, it is undeniable that all three countries have a vibrant Diaspora, which exerts a distinctive kind of soft power that may be used to mutual benefit.
