Cyprus’s accession as a full member of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations was decided at the Forum’s 9th Ministerial Meeting, held December 12, at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
More specifically, the participating countries-Greece, Armenia, Bolivia, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Italy, and Peru- announced in the Athens Declaration, which summarizes the work of the Ministerial Meeting, that the Republic of Cyprus is admitted with consensus as a full member of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations.
Focusing on strengthening dialogue and cooperation between countries with a long cultural heritage, the Forum of Ancient Civilizations was established in 2017 on the initiative of Greece and China.
Cyprus participated in the Forum’s 9th Ministerial Meeting as an observer, represented by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou.
In a statement, the Deputy Minister of Culture of Cyprus welcomed the decision to include Cyprus in the Forum. As she said, this decision is a recognition of the contribution of Cyprus’ ancient civilization to the formation of the common cultural heritage of the Mediterranean and the wider region.
Kassianidou also stated that “Cyprus’ participation in the Forum is an important act of cultural diplomacy and creates new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the protection of cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue, and the exchange of expertise.”
Furthermore, she expressed her warm thanks to the member states of the Forum and the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, for the trust they have shown in the Republic of Cyprus, emphasizing that Cyprus approaches its participation with a sense of responsibility and readiness to actively contribute to common goals.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Eftychia Zachariou, Curator of Antiquities at the Department of Antiquities and Chair of the National Committee for the Suppression of Looting and Illegal Trafficking of Cultural Heritage.
Regarding the issues on the meeting’s agenda, including the impact of climate change on cultural heritage and the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property, Kassianidou referred to the effects that Cyprus is already experiencing from the climate crisis, while also noting that Cyprus has scientific expertise and policy tools that can strengthen the Forum’s collective efforts.
She also made special reference to Cyprus’ experience in protecting cultural heritage and its participation in international cooperation to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities.