President launches cultural drive ahead of 2026 EU Presidency

"We must do much more for our culture", the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides said, inaugurating, in Platres, in Limassol District, the exhibition of printmaker Hambis Tsangaris, "Hambis' Cyprus." He pledged to do everything possible for the island's reunification and assured that, as Cyprus assumes the helm of the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, the State will cooperate with artists to promotion local culture.

President Christodoulides thanked Tsangaris for everything he has offered and continues to offer through his works. Addressing the artist he said that "no matter how many books someone reads, it is clearly easier to understand the history of this country through your work and for me this is the most important legacy you leave to this country."

"If we can promise you something, it is that we will do everything possible in order to manage to see your art when our country is reunited again", he said and stressed that "this situation, as it is today, cannot be the future of this country and is becoming more difficult every day.

"We must do much more for our culture", President Christodoulides underlined and assured that the issues that concern people of culture in general "will be treated as a priority."

For his part, Hambis Tsangaris thanked the President and said that "I conveyed my identity through my works" and added that he did everything he could to express himself and his country, to offer his knowledge to fellow citizens and "to help Cyprus."