Greece and Cyprus have formalised their cultural collaboration with the signing of their first Cultural Cooperation Agreement.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni of Greece and Deputy Minister Lina Kassianidou of Cyprus signed the landmark accord, underscoring the strong, productive, and mutually beneficial ties between the two nations.
The agreement, a significant development in Greece-Cyprus relations, builds upon the systematic cooperation established by the Ministries of Culture of both countries. It follows the 1st Supreme Council of Cooperation Greece-Cyprus held in Athens last November, which was led by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
Replacing previous memorandums of cooperation, the new agreement reflects updated priorities in cultural collaboration, with a focus on Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Culture. Key components of the agreement include the exchange of best practices in organising archaeological museums, notably aiding in the construction of the new Archaeological Museum in Nicosia, and the organisation of travelling exhibitions.
The agreement also emphasizes the transfer of knowledge from Greece, which has made significant strides in digital cultural management, including the creation of the Archaeological Cadastre, the Portal of Mobile Monuments, and the Historical Archive of Excavations and Restorations. Additionally, it includes provisions for training Cypriot students and their involvement in various cultural programs.
