President Nicos Anastasiades says he his committed to supporting bi-communal initiatives, like the Sir Stelios awards, that will help Cypriots broker a Cyprus settlement.
Addressing the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2018 at the foundation’s premises, Anastasiades praised the winning teams for their efforts to promoting creative bi-communal interaction and co-operation, with the aim of achieving lasting peace on the island.
He also expressed appreciation to Sir Stelios Hadjioannou, founder of Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, for his initiative to launch these annual awards in Cyprus.
President Anastasiades said that the awards, held for the tenth consecutive year, demonstrate the way in which Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can successfully work together towards a common purpose and a shared vision, as well as the willingness of both communities to enhance their socio-economic bonds.
This year nearly 700 applications were submitted, out of which, 50 teams were rewarded.
President Anastasiades said: “This sends a clear message that the Republic of Cyprus remains sincerely committed in supporting such bi-communal initiatives which support our efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement.”
Sir Stelios said this year did not the high watermark of 2017 when there were about 800 applicants, “we had 700 applications which I think is a very good respectable result”.
Even though he was a little pessimistic when they started this year, Sir Stelios praised the fact that the number of applications shows that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots care, cooperate, even in a difficult year, post Crans-Montana.
He added “we are here for the long run”.
This year, nearly 700 Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots collaborated and submitted their applications for Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2018, to win one of the 50 cash prizes that are offered by Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.
Since 2009, the total value of the awards that were granted to bi-communal collaborations adds up to €3,250.000.
The aim of Sir Stelios’ philanthropy is to encourage cooperation between the members of the two communities in Cyprus and to establish lasting peace on the island.
The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended in failure.
