Press Releases

I am delighted and honoured to welcome you all today at the Presidential Palace. First and foremost, I wish to commend the great effort you have exerted in organising this year’s AHEPA Family Supreme Convention in Cyprus, one of the most significant gatherings of our expatriates.

I extend my heartfelt wishes for every success, as well as an enjoyable stay in Cyprus, which will always welcome you with open arms.

I would also like to extend my deep appreciation to Mrs Marianthi Trippiedi and dear Elena, Grand president of “The Daughters of Penelope”, and to the Council for the “Spirit of Penelope award”. I am moved by this initiative and I am greatly honoured.

I feel extremely honoured to be included among the 25,000 members of the “Daughters of Penelope” from the United States (US), Canada, Australia and Europe. Such a dynamic group of strong, capable women is always an important source of inspiration for me. Each and every one of you thrives in her own field or path of life, playing her personal role in philanthropy and volunteerism. I know and I admire your passion for Greece, Hellenism, Greek history and culture, and the fact that you are doing such excellent work is a motivation for all of us. You are truly an inspiration.

I share with you the same passion and I hope that learning and inspired by others, like your group, I can also contribute to your work in promoting Hellenism and Education, Philanthropy and Civic Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence.

Being a diplomat myself, I spent many years abroad and I always felt proud about the Greek diaspora, their commitment to helping Greece and Cyprus and their dedication to promoting our history and culture. I am aware of the flame of nostos when someone lives in a foreign land and of your decisiveness to keep the bonds with the traditions of our homeland. Your role is pivotal. It is important to remain strong and influential, to be able to help our country when it comes to the problems it faces, and to act as our most experienced ambassadors in the countries you live.

Being a member of the Diplomatic Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus from a very young age I also learnt to be always driven by the duty to promote the interests of my country and defend its just demands, especially when it comes to the Cyprus problem. As the spouse of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, especially in these difficult times, 50 years since the coup of Jounta and the Turkish invasion and the continued illegal occupation of almost half of our country, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your struggle to preserve the historical truths and support Cyprus. Your role is vital, especially in the US, the UK and the United Nations (UN).

Only a few days ago, we all condemned the Turkish invasion of 1974. We solemnly honoured the people who fought for democracy, for the territorial integrity of Cyprus. Those who suffered or are still suffering. The missing persons. The enclaved. Their families that have endured real pain.

We declared with a strong and united voice, ENOUGH. We are all united to support the unwavering efforts of President Christodoulides for the resumption of the talks and a reunited country, in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

In these complex times we live, volunteerism and humanitarian actions remain relevant and often times vital to support social causes of great importance.

Therefore, allow me also to commend Savvas Tsivicos’ presence and long-standing dedication and contribution to major social causes in the framework of AHEPA actions as well. We are very proud of you, Savvas.

As a First Lady, standing by Nikos’ side, whose main aim is to bring change to Cyprus and its society by promoting policies that will bring social justice and improve the quality of each and every citizens’ everyday life, including the vulnerable, I pour my heart and all my effort since day one to this cause through various social actions in different fields.

I am proud of the work done to enhance further the Independent Social Support Body which in 2023-2024 succeeded in helping approximately 800 students for their first degree to study in Cyprus or abroad, which is an important number for Cyprus. The primary goal is to help students from very low-income families to be educated and get into the arena of adulthood stronger. We have upgraded our website, communicated our scholarship scheme better and broader, and we have now started our fundraising for academic year 2024-2025.

I take this opportunity to thank all the expats who send donations from abroad for this noble cause and I am sure that more will follow them. We believe that education is the only tool, the only weapon that can change the world, so we are working hard for this. And I will continue to work hard for all vulnerable groups, like children, students, people with disabilities. For me what matters more is not the presence but the substance. The added value and what we, as persons, can do for others. Each of us can become a positive role model by contributing to society. Every single day. To be kind and useful. To love people and help. Starting with our families and how we raise our children and continue at work in all fields of interest. Teaching everyone who is around us to respect and accept.

Having that as my guiding light, I hope that by the time the clock strikes midnight, I will be able to look back and feel proud.

Dear Ladies, daughters of Penelope,

I am honoured that you, a distinguished women's organisation with a global reach, have chosen to bestow this honour on me this year. I assure you that I will always strive to be a force of offer and kindness and will tirelessly continue to serve the Cypriot citizens, my country and be by your side.

(RM/GS/IA)