President says Cyprus-US ties at highest level ever, at AHEPA Cyprus gala (pics)

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Cyprus organised its third annual Philanthropic Gala Dinner in memory of the late businessman Photos Photiades, on 2 November at the Presidential Palace.

The event was held under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides and was attended by plethora of distinguished guests. The Supreme Governor for Europe, Vasilios Petkides, was also present.

In his speech, the Governor of AHEPA Cyprus, Georgios Kallenos, thanked the President of the Republic for his presence and for placing the gala under his auspices, and said the net proceeds from the gala would be going to two extraordinary philanthropic institutions. The “Elpida” foundation for children with cancer and leukaemia, and the “Ray of Life - Iliachtida Zois” foundation for children with disabilities.

Kallenos also referred to the upcoming AHEPA Supreme Conference that will take place in July 2024 in Larnaca and seek to raise global awareness of the 50-year anniversary since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus and subsequent occupation.

The event was also addressed by President Christodoulides, who praised AHEPA’s work and said that he would support it in organising the upcoming conference. He said more than 3,000 were expected to participate in the conference. “2024 marks 50 years from the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus, therefore we will have the opportunity through the Conference to condemn once again the invasion and occupation and reiterate our will to solve the Cyprus issue and reunite our homeland,” said Christodoulides.

He also said that relations between Cyprus and the United States are currently at the highest ever level, and praised AHEPA for demonstrating “an essential and strong participation in all struggles for Cyprus and Hellenism in general".

Referring to the late Photos Photiades, the President said that he left an indelible mark on Cypriot business and was among the pioneers in the business and economic development of Cyprus, especially after the difficult years of the Turkish invasion, and contributed decisively to the growth and evolution of the Cyprus economy.

Meanwhile, AHEPA Cyprus presented two honorary awards during the event: to distinguished professor DR Loizo Loizou for his massive contribution to paediatric oncology and the “Elpida” foundation, as well as Anna Xiourouppa, one of the founding members of “Iliachtida Zois”.

It also honoured AHEPA’s annual Gold Sponsors ECOMMBX and the Photos Photiades Group.

The gala wrapped with a concert by soprano Mariza Anastasiades, tenor Marios Andreou and pianist Plotinos Micromatis.

The event was presented by Carolina Kyprianou, while all services were provided free of charge.

(Photos: PIO)