As part of the youth exchange in the Republic of Cyprus, participants held an official meeting and training with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus. The meeting took place in the ministry’s building in Nicosia and was led by Mr. Konstantinos Christofides, Director of the Department of Bilateral Relations with European Countries.
Mr. Christofides extended warm greetings to all participants, expressing satisfaction with the youth’s activity and the constructive nature of their visits and training during their stay in Cyprus. He emphasized that the relations between Bulgaria and Cyprus are fraternal and deeply friendly, based on trust, shared European values, and historical closeness between the two peoples.
The event was made possible with the support of the Embassy of Cyprus in Bulgaria, whose partnership contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and the successful realization of the visit.
The official Bulgarian delegation supporting institutional visits includes:
– Rositsa Kirova – Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee for Direct Citizen Participation
• Petar Mladenov – Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
• Tanya Mihaylova – Head of the Minister of Education and Science’s Office
– Monika Yanakieva – Director at the Center for Human Resource Development
• Col. Petar Kindalov – Commander of the National Guard Unit
– Col. Iliya Milushev – Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Mariana Shoteva – Chairperson of the Administrative Court – Plovdiv
• Giuseppe De Francesco – Honorary Consul of Italy in Plovdiv
• Iliyana Andonova – Representative of the Embassy of Cyprus in Bulgaria
In his presentation, the director outlined the main directions in Cyprus’s foreign policy priorities, highlighting the similarities between the two countries—the shared historical challenges, cultural and spiritual closeness, and readiness for cooperation in areas such as education, economy, defense, and European integration.
During the conversation, Mr. Christofides congratulated Bulgaria on its upcoming accession to the Eurozone on January 1, 2026, noting that this date will also be historic for Cyprus, as it will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time.
Among the discussed topics was the presence of Cypriot students in Bulgarian universities, as well as the active contribution of the Bulgarian community in Cyprus to the country’s social and economic development. Mr. Christofides expressed gratitude for the hospitality and positive attitude of Bulgarians towards Cypriot citizens, as well as for the good image of Bulgarian professionals and workers on the island.
“Such meetings not only strengthen the ties between our institutions—they build bridges between our peoples,” emphasized Mr. Christofilis, encouraging the continuation of youth visits and initiatives between Bulgaria and Cyprus.
The young participants actively engaged in the discussion, sharing their ideas and asking questions related to the role of young people in foreign policy and diplomacy, as well as the challenges they face in their professional realization after graduating from university.
In response, Mr. Christofides stated:
“In Cyprus, we believe we should listen to young people. They are the future, and we want to leave them a better world. You don’t even need to be a diplomat to participate—we create opportunities for young people through internships, interviews, and public initiatives.”
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus actively involves young people in its activities through educational and internship programs, with many of them subsequently finding careers specifically within the foreign policy system.
At the end of the meeting, issues related to migration policy and security were also addressed. Mr. Christofides explained that although these matters fall outside the direct management of his department, Cyprus is working closely with the European Commission to curb illegal migration and improve the management of asylum processes. Thanks to joint efforts and European programs, the country has achieved a significant reduction in illegal migration flows and greater efficiency in security and human rights policies.
The meeting concluded with mutual thanks and assurance of the continuation of friendly relations between Bulgaria and Cyprus, along with a shared belief that youth exchange is the strongest bridge of friendship, culture, and cooperation between the two countries.
The visit to the Republic of Cyprus is part of an international youth exchange dedicated to European values, leadership, and the enhancement of cooperation among young people from European Union member states.
The program includes a series of visits and training sessions with representatives from government institutions, educational and sports organizations, as well as experts in the fields of security, defense, and foreign policy.
The “Youth Guard Squads Association” holds accreditation No. 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000297794 under the “Erasmus+” program, ensuring sustainability and long-term development of projects in the fields of youth policy, leadership, and civic education.
The organization actively participates in international initiatives aimed at fostering values, responsibility, and innovative thinking among young people—including meetings and training sessions in Vatican City, Montenegro, the Italian Republic, and the Republic of Cyprus.
Photos: Milen Torbev
