A bilateral meeting was held in Athens by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Alessandro Giuli’s Italian counterpart, following the talks on the sidelines of the Naples Conference, about two weeks ago.

According to a statement from the Ministers, the discussions of the two ministers confirmed, once again, the excellent and creative cooperation of the Greek and Italian democracy in the field of culture, at the institutional, museum, archaeological and artistic level.

Lina Mendoni emphasized the role of Greece -Italy as a guardian of Greco -Roman culture, stressing that Western culture was founded in the wisdom of the ancient Greek and Roman world – which must be emerged through common actions in Europe and internationally.

The meeting ended with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Bilateral Cooperation for the Conservation of Antiquities of the “Symes Collection” – the epilogue of a long -standing archaeological case, which had a happy ending, thanks to the multilevel and harmonious cooperation of the two countries in the field of the intercourse.

Alessandro Giuli also announced the forthcoming return to Greece of 145 ancient Greek coins, which had been found in Kos in 1929-1930, and today are kept at the Archaeological Museum of Rome.

Furthermore, by applauding Lina Mendoni’s proposal for joint actions internationally, Alessandro Giuli referred to the emotional and symbolic nature of him his first visit to Athens as Minister of Culture of the Italian Republic, as he had traveled throughout Greece.

Minister Alessandro Giuli suggested that two initiatives be taken:

1. A regular exhibition of works by Greek -Jewish painters Giorgio de Cirico and Alberto Savinio, in combination with the antiquities that inspired them in the creation of the “Metaphysical School”, and

2. The joint organization of the Mediterranean Festival of ‘Cultural Heritage Apostle, with the aim of highlighting the popular traditions and cultural bonds of the area.

Lina Mendoni agreed with both her counterparts, stating that such an initiative is the excellent opportunity to bring the Mediterranean to the forefront as a cradle of culture and dialogue.

At the same time, the Director General of the National Gallery of Syragio Tsiara suggested organizing an exhibition based on dialogue, between futurism and modern Greek creation, through the connection of three forms -by Filippo Tomaso Marinetti, Constantinos Kavafi. Alessandro Giuli has agreed and suggested that the exhibition be hosted in emblematic contemporary arts in Rome, such as “the National Museum of Art of the 21st Century”.

Another proposal to exchange archaeological exhibitions, agreed by the two ministers, concerns the two exhibitions, one Greek and one Italian, today presented in Santorini and Pompeii, dedicated to the women of the ancient world: “The Cycladic:” Unknown Stories of Women ” The aim is to convene in Greece and Italy, but their joint tour in other countries.

Lina Mendoni then toured her Italian counterpart at the Acropolis Museum, in the presence of General Manager Nikos Stambolidis. The two ministers had the opportunity to discuss extensively the Greek demand for the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures in Athens. Alessandro Giuli suggested that they work together so that the British Museum could do what museum morals impose today, that is, to return the sculptures where they belong.

The two ministers then participated in the anniversary ceremony for the 18 years of the European Public Law Organization that took place in the Roman market, in the presence of Parliament Speaker Nikita Kaklamanis. Finally, they attended the Medea Theater by the Italian Teatro Patologicos, which includes people with mental disability.