Press Releases

The inauguration of the outdoors photographic exhibition of the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus (PIO), “20 Years of Cyprus’ accession to the EU”, in collaboration with the Lefkosia Municipality, took place this evening.

Commencing from Lidinis Street and concluding at the Centre for Information and Training for Employment and Entrepreneurship (KEEAED), the exhibition captures through 137 photos from the PIO’s photo archive the process of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union (EU) and our country’s 20 years of participation in the EU.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of the Director of the PIO, Ms Aliki Stylianou, and personalities from politics as well as the world of the arts and letters.  

In her address, the Director of the PIO expressed her gratitude to the President of the Republic of Cyprus for his highly honourable presence, as well as to the Mayor of Lefkosia for providing all the necessary facilities for the exhibition. Moreover, she thanked the PIO personnel who worked with great dedication and talent in order to create the original photographic exhibition for everyone to enjoy.

In his address, the President of the Republic of Cyprus thanked the Director of the PIO, Ms Aliki Stylianou, and the PIO personnel for the event, as well as for their valuable contribution to all the events organised for the 20^th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the EU. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to the Mayor of Lefkosia, Mr Constantinos Yiorkadjis, for providing all necessary assistance for the event.

The President stated that Cyprus’ accession to the European family in 2004 was the greatest success of the Republic of Cyprus, the most decisive development for our country since its establishment in 1960. Additionally, he said it was the crowning achievement of a perennial strategic pursuit, a process in which all governments had made strenuous and persistent efforts, always with the valuable assistance, cooperation and substantial support of the Hellenic Republic.

The President highlighted that this was an evening in honour of all those who envisioned, have worked hard, and still are working hard, so that we, as well as our children, can enjoy the numerous benefits which accompany our country’s accession to the EU. At the same time, in retrospect as well as in relation to the ongoing challenges we face, we auspiciously and confidently look to the future. Strength in unity is our beacon as well as our legacy which will determine our decisions.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic of Cyprus stated that it is first and foremost a European one. The President added that we look to the European Union for its settlement, utilising all its political and economic means and tools, in the framework of the Euro-Turkey relations, in order for all Cypriot legal citizens to be able to fully enjoy their rights as European citizens in a reunified homeland.

The exhibition will be displayed until 26^th May 2024.

The photographic album, which accompanies the exhibition, is adorned with seven original watercolours by artist Katerina Attalidou, depicting parts of the exhibition route.

For footage from the inauguration of the outdoors photographic exhibition, click here. 

(GS/AP)