In his address, which was read on behalf of the Commissioner for the Presidency by the Consul of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in London, Mrs. Melivoya Demetriou, Mr. Fotiou said that almost 800 thousand of our compatriots permanently reside outside the borders of Cyprus, i.e. another Cyprus.
"We are proud of all of them, as with their progress and creative contribution to the development of local societies, they simultaneously promote our national identity, culture and civilization, thus constituting the continuation of the dynamic presence of Cypriot Hellenism abroad", he stressed.
He also said that "through the leadership of their organizations, they contribute to the promotion of our national issue and play a key role in the efforts being made."
"This is why we are deeply grateful and appreciative for the support of our diaspora both on the Cyprus problem and other national issues, as well as for the support of our traditions, culture and language," he said.
The Commissioner for the Presidency said that in this context, "we attach particular importance to the utilisation of the younger generation of our Diaspora with specific programmes and objectives, such as involving and engaging them in parochial events, getting in touch and acquainted with Cyprus, learning its language and culture and others. The young generation is the future of our Diaspora, they are the future leaders of our organisations."
Referring to Petros Porakos' book, Fotiou said that the collection and promotion of historical data on the migration and settlement of Cypriots in other countries is a subject that certainly moves everyone.
"Through these data, the will, determination, strength and perseverance shown by our compatriots in taking the decision to seek a better perspective for themselves and their families elsewhere, taking into account the problems faced by our people in times that were very difficult for everyone," he added.
He also mentioned that it is the problems of poverty and destitution, as well as the uncertainty about tomorrow, that contributed to the migration flow from Cyprus to other countries, from the first decades of the last century and more so since the middle of the 20th century and then immediately after the Turkish invasion of our island in 1974.
Mr. Fotiou also said that what distinguished them, still, and still distinguishes them always, is the common desire for our homeland, our faith, our customs and traditions and added that "this desire and traits led them to create small or even larger communities in their new homelands with the common goal of maintaining close contact with each other, as well as mutual help and support".
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