Ahram Online (AO): How would you describe the current state of relations between Greece and Egypt, particularly in terms of diaspora cooperation and the shared heritage of our communities?
Yiannis Loverdos (YL): Relations between Greece and Egypt are at an excellent level, built on mutual trust, strategic cooperation and deep historical ties spanning centuries. Our diaspora communities have played a vital role in strengthening this relationship, serving as living bridges between our two peoples.
The Greek presence in Egypt and the longstanding friendship between our nations constitute a unique legacy that continues to inspire cooperation today. Through cultural exchanges, educational initiatives and diaspora engagement programmes, we are preserving this shared heritage while creating new opportunities for future generations. The contribution of the Greek community in Egypt and the Egyptian community in Greece remains an important pillar of our bilateral relationship.
AO: The trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt on diaspora affairs has flourished through the NOSTOS programme. How has this unique partnership strengthened ties among the Greek, Cypriot, and Egyptian expatriate communities?
YL: The NOSTOS initiative is a tangible example of diaspora diplomacy and people-to-people cooperation. By bringing together expatriates from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, it has created a dynamic platform for dialogue, networking, and cultural exchange.
NOSTOS has strengthened ties by encouraging younger members of our diaspora communities to connect with one another, explore their shared history and develop professional and academic partnerships. It has also fostered a stronger sense of belonging among expatriate communities, demonstrating that our cooperation extends beyond governments and institutions to citizens themselves. The initiative has transformed historical bonds into practical collaboration for the future.
AO: Egypt and Greece share centuries of cultural and historical ties. In what ways do you see these bonds reflected in today's diaspora cooperation, particularly in education and cultural initiatives?
YL: Our common history is reflected in numerous educational and cultural initiatives that continue to bring our communities closer together. Schools, universities, cultural associations, and research institutions in both countries actively promote the study of language, history, and civilization.
Diaspora organizations play a key role in preserving this legacy by organizing cultural events, exhibitions, conferences and educational programmes. Academic exchanges and partnerships between universities have also expanded opportunities for students and researchers alike. These activities not only honour our shared past but also create new avenues for cooperation in areas such as innovation, science and culture.
AO: Preserving the Greek language and cultural heritage abroad is a key priority. What new initiatives—from digital consular services to university partnerships—are making a tangible difference for diaspora communities around the world?
YL: Supporting Greeks abroad remains a strategic priority for the Greek government. We are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to improve services and strengthen engagement with diaspora communities. Digital consular services have made interaction with the state more accessible, efficient, and responsive, regardless of geographical distance.
At the same time, we are expanding cooperation with universities and educational institutions to promote Greek language studies, Hellenic culture and academic mobility. New technologies are also enabling distance-learning programmes that allow younger generations of the diaspora to maintain a strong connection with the Greek language and identity. Together, these initiatives ensure that our communities abroad remain closely connected to Greece while continuing to make valuable contributions to the societies in which they live.
AO: How do you see the "Return to Roots" initiative evolving to reconnect younger generations of the diaspora with their heritage, and what impact has it had so far?
YL: The future of NOSTOS lies in its ability to engage younger generations in meaningful and innovative ways. Young people today are looking for opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, networking, cultural discovery and professional development, and NOSTOS is well positioned to offer all of these.
Looking ahead, we envision expanding youth exchanges, university partnerships, innovation forums, cultural programmes and digital networking platforms that enable young members of the diaspora to stay connected throughout the year. Its impact has already been significant. It has strengthened personal and professional ties among participants, increased awareness of our shared heritage and helped cultivate a new generation of ambassadors for cooperation among Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
Ultimately, NOSTOS demonstrates that diaspora communities are not merely custodians of history but active partners in shaping our shared future.
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