I am especially delighted to see that guests whom I once welcomed on board, members of RC Bietigheim-Vaihingen in Germany, have now also participated in the Rotary District Conference in Cyprus. It is wonderful to know that these connections have led them to meet members of my home club, Rotary Club Paphos-Aphrodite, and become part of the wider Rotary family.

Moments like these remind me that travel is about much more than visiting new places—it is about bringing people together, fostering understanding, and creating lasting relationships across borders.

 

From the moment we arrived, the team at Don Carlo made us feel at home, adding warmth and ease to a night already filled with joy. Sharing this experience with our members—new and longstanding—made the evening even more special.

It was a true reminder that fellowship is at the heart of Rotary, and evenings like this strengthen the bonds that keep our club vibrant, supportive and united.

 

A heartfelt thank‑you to all members and friends who cheered him on, sent messages, and donated. Your support truly made a difference.

Donations can still be made to the Rotary Club Paphos‑Aphrodite Charity Account:

IBAN: CY18 0020 0195 0000 3570 1474 4393

SWIFT/BIC: BCYPCY2N

Together, we turn compassion into action.

The Cyprus Rotary Peace Forum, held in Limassol with the participation of over 230 attendees, including a significant number of Turkish Cypriots, was a remarkable success.

Distinguished keynote speakers Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides and Ozdil Nami, along with panelists Professors C. Psaltis, M. Besim , A. Kapardis, and Mr. H. Muftazade, moderated by senior journalist Lefteris Adilinis delivered insightful and thought-provoking presentations. Their discussions highlighted the benefits of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue and emphasized the vital role that civil society on both sides can play in encouraging political leaders to genuinely pursue a fair and balanced settlement that addresses the concerns of all Cypriots.

The forum was marked by active engagement, with participants raising numerous questions in an atmosphere of mutual respect, openness, and understanding.

Deputy District Governor Yiannos Pissourios, being the organiser, expressed his sincere gratitude to his Team (PDG Christina Patroclou, PDDG Tastan Altuner, PP Nikos Theodoulou) for supporting him in achieving the Forum’s objectives, with the shared hope that this initiative represents a small step, towards paving the path to the reunification of Cyprus.

District Governor Peter Ashdjian in his address praised Cyprus Rotary for this initiative and stressed the connection of this event to his policy of promoting Peace throughout our Rotary District of 9 countries.

The evening concluded with a warm fellowship dinner at the Syrian restaurant in Limassol, where 75 participants had the opportunity to connect, exchange views, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and friendly setting.