German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was informed on Monday about the bicommunal project “Imagine”, which is supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting he had with the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR), at the Home for Cooperation in Nicosia’s buffer zone.
A press release by AHDR says that the visit reaffirms Germany’s commitment to building peace in Cyprus, with President Steinmeier expressing his support for the project and emphasizing the importance of peace education.
Since its launch in 2017 with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, “Imagine” has played a key role in bringing the two communities of Cyprus closer together, the press release reads.
It is pointed out that despite challenges, including the unilateral suspension of the program by the current Turkish Cypriot leadership in October 2022, the program continues to promote dialogue and cooperation between teachers and students from both communities
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Co-Chairs, Council members and the Director of the Association presented President Steinmeier and his delegation with an overview of the program’s impact and its broad reach.
AHDR expresses optimism that through continued effort and cooperation, “Imagine” will continue to play a key role in education for peace, the abolition of discrimination and the promotion of dialogue and understanding.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency