- Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni held strategic dialogues in Ramallah with Palestinian officials.
- Topics covered included artistic collaborations, humanitarian initiatives, and cultural conservation.
- Greece pledged support for restoring damaged Palestinian heritage sites and training conservators.
- A visit to key cultural landmarks highlighted the shared values between the two regions.
- Mendoni emphasized Greece’s commitment to solidarity and cultural diplomacy.
During a visit to the Palestinian Territories, Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni engaged in talks with the Palestinian Authority’s Culture Minister Imad Hamdan and Tourism and Antiquities Minister Hani Al-Hayek. The discussions in Ramallah centred on cultural partnerships, heritage preservation, and Greece’s dedication to humanitarian aid.
Mendoni highlighted Greece’s actions to assist the Palestinian people, including sending humanitarian supplies and offering medical care for children from Gaza facing serious health issues. She also acknowledged the significant role of the Jerusalem Patriarchate as a unifying spiritual figure in the region.
“This is not just about preserving monuments; it’s a matter of international solidarity and responsibility,” Mendoni stated.
Cementing Cultural Exchanges
Between meetings, both culture ministers explored ways to foster collaboration in arts and heritage. Ideas included:
- Joint artist exchanges promoting music, theatre, and crafts.
- Literary works translated between Greek and Arabic for a better cultural understanding.
- Showcasing Palestinian artists in Greek venues.
Mendoni even shared observations on how embroidery and olive tree motifs unify folk traditions across both cultures.
Yet, this wasn’t all talk. Mendoni underscored Greece’s willingness to host exhibitions and expand these artistic avenues.
Protecting History Amid Conflict
With Minister Al-Hayek, the focus shifted to protecting and restoring cultural relics damaged during ongoing conflicts. Al-Hayek presented a catalogue detailing affected Byzantine and Christian sites, urging Greece’s expertise in their restoration. Mendoni agreed, pledging technical and educational resources. Greek specialists would also train local conservators, reinforcing efforts to preserve these threatened legacies.
Her message was clear: “We are here to share our knowledge and provide meaningful support to safeguard your cultural treasures.”
Exploring Palestinian Heritage
Mendoni, alongside experts from Greece’s Ministry of Culture, visited the early Christian Basilica of Saint Stephen in Ramallah. This site, a piece of Jerusalem’s Patriarchate’s heritage, holds tremendous historical and cultural value. Accompanied by Palestinian officials, this visit underlined both countries’ commitment to honouring shared history.
Mendoni’s itinerary also included a guided tour of the Yasser Arafat Museum by Director Mohammad Halayqa. The visit offered a glimpse into Palestine’s modern history and its continual quest for identity.
Stronger Ties, Shared Futures
Escorted by Greece’s Consul General in Jerusalem, Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, Mendoni’s agenda reflected a broader outlook on bilateral ties. From humanitarian support to cultural diplomacy, her visit underscored Greece’s dedication to building bridges across borders.
Greece and Palestine took another step toward deepening mutual respect by fostering cultural understanding and aiding heritage preservation.