Cyprus President lauds historic ties with Armenian community

President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday that he was proud of the Armenian community’s contribution to Cyprus and the lessons learned from their history, Cyprus Mail reports. He was speaking at a meeting with the Armenian Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian. The archbishop was accompanied by the Armenian House representative Vartkes Mahdessian.

“We are proud of how much they contribute to the Cypriot state and we are here to strengthen, to do whatever is necessary to preserve the Armenian heritage, to promote it even further. You also have an important role to play, especially with regard to the new generation, so that there is continuity and strengthening of the Armenian community in Cyprus,” he said.

Christodoulides recalled that one of the first events he attended as president was at the Armenian school.
“I saw first-hand how proud the children are of their origin, of their history, and we approach this as part of the rich culture that this country has. A culture where our goal is for Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins to live together again in a reunited Cyprus.”

The archbishop referred to the historical ties between Greek Cypriots and Armenians through the centuries.

He expressed the gratitude of the Armenians “for the many years of noble state assistance to the community, the church, schools, institutions and our organised groups”.