An institutional meeting took place this afternoon at Palazzo Alvaro between the deputy mayor of Reggio Calabria, Mariagrazia Arena, and the Greek Ambassador to Italy, Eleni Sourani. The stop in the City of the Strait opens an official program of visits and appointments aimed at consolidating the deep historical, cultural and linguistic ties that unite the Hellenic nation with Calabria and, in particular, with the Greek community.
During the cordial conversation between the deputy mayor – representing the municipal administration led by mayor Francesco Cannizzaro – and the diplomat, the centrality of the Hellenic heritage as a founding identity element for the Reggio area was reaffirmed. A delegation from the Hellenic Language and Culture Center “Ellinomatheia” also took part in the meeting.
The words of Ambassador Eleni Sourani
«I am happy to be in Reggio Calabria and to visit the Hellenophone region. Our common roots lie in a 28-century history: language and culture have united us for millennia”, declared the diplomat. «I thank the Reggio institutions for their welcome, which is fundamental for strengthening cooperation between Calabria and the Greek regions of the Ionian Sea. Reggio Calabria is already twinned with Patras and Chalchis; keeping this bond alive and enhancing Greek culture is a priority.”
The commitment of the Municipality of Reggio Calabria
«Our roots lie in the cradle of Hellenic civilization», underlined the deputy mayor Mariagrazia Arena. «Enhancing this heritage is a strategic objective of the Cannizzaro Administration. The Greek language is a wealth to be preserved: we are open to welcoming any project proposal to spread a legacy that defines our cultural identity.”