Athens, Greece.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni outlined Greece’s priorities for its upcoming chairmanship of the Ancient Civilizations Forum in Athens during meetings with the ambassadors of Peru and the United Arab Emirates.
The forum, established in Athens in April 2017, was launched as a joint initiative of Greece, China, Bolivia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Italy, and Peru, with Mexico joining as an observer.
During the meetings, Mendoni met with Peru’s Ambassador Arturo Javier Arciniega Calderon and the UAE’s Ambassador Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, presenting Greece’s vision for the forum and discussing opportunities for new bilateral partnerships.
A key priority on Greece’s agenda at the forum is to highlight the challenges of achieving sustainable development in order to address the impact of the climate crisis on cultural heritage. Other priorities include respecting and protecting local communities, safeguarding monuments from climate change, and combating the illegal trafficking of antiquities.
Renewal of Greece–Peru cultural heritage pact
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni with UAE’s Ambassador Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri and Peru’s Ambassador Arturo Javier Arciniega Calderon. Photo source: Culture Ministry
During their meeting, Peru’s Ambassador Arciniega Calderon asked Mendoni to renew the Greece–Peru cultural heritage agreement, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Ambassador also reaffirmed Peru’s steadfast support for Greece’s call for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures at the Acropolis Museum.
On behalf of Greece, Mendoni proposed signing bilateral agreements to both combat the illegal trafficking of antiquities and promote cultural exchanges. In recent months, two teleconferences have been held between officials of the two countries’ culture ministries, focusing on sharing expertise in cultural heritage protection and enhancing cooperation within international organizations.
Strengthening Ties with the UAE
In talks with Ambassador Al Dhaheri, discussions centered on cultural exhibitions: showcasing Greek antiquities in the UAE and hosting Emirati exhibitions in Athens. The soon-to-open Zayed National Museum (December) was highlighted as an ideal venue.
Additionally, Greece will be guest of honor at the Sharjah International Book Festival next November, one of the Arab world’s largest literary events, marking another step in strengthening cultural diplomacy with the UAE.
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