Cyprus decided to reintroduce an annual grant, on a permanent basis, for the support of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos told the press that the Cabinet decided to allocate an amount of pound 75,000 annually. Asked if the government had received any request from the Patriarchate or the diaspora community for support, the Minister said that the support was provided in the past, but was interrupted in 2013 due to the economic crisis.
He said that the decision of the Cabinet is to reinstate this support on a permanent basis, because the role of the Patriarchate is extremely important.
Kombos went on to say that the Patriarchate of Alexandria has a historical course of over 2,000 years in Egypt and Africa and contributes decisively to the preservation of the Orthodox faith, while simultaneously carrying out missionary work. He also referred to its role in the effort to maintain the ties of Greeks abroad with their roots, history and culture.
The Minister said that the decision falls under the remit of “soft diplomacy” and is ultimately combined with Cyprus’ activities and actions to support the Cypriots abroad.
Replying to another question whether this decision is linked to actions to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, the FM said that there are several actions that have been prioritized and the particular one falls within this context.
He added that the decision has more to do with the support of religious and Christian minorities in the region and noted that other announcements of a similar nature will follow in the near future.
Responding to a question about whether this action constitutes another opening towards Egypt, the Minister noted that the relationship with Egypt is strategic in nature and that this support is granted to the Patriarchate with absolute respect for Egypt.
He recalled that a meeting of the Cyprus diaspora is underway in Nicosia and there is also tripartite cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt, with the ”Nostos” project, which was an initiative of the Cyprus government, for cooperation between expatriates from the three countries by organizing joint activities.