Nicosia.-  (CNA) —Cyprus President Demetris Christofias inaugurated Friday evening an exhibition of Cypriot antiquities at the Louvre Museum, in Paris, titled “Cyprus between Byzantium and the West, from the 4th to the 16th century”.The French government was represented by French EU Affairs Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

The exhibition is the result of cooperation between the Louvre and the Cyprus Antiquities Department and consists of 176 artifacts, displayed in various Cypriot museums, as well as in museums around Europe.

President Christofias said he was proud because Cyprus, through the exhibition, displays its “multifaceted culture” .He also said that the masterpieces presented at the exhibition, show the connection between Cypriot and French culture, adding  that the island’s rich cultural heritage dates back 11 thousand years.

The President further referred to Cypriot cultural heritage in the areas of the island under Turkish occupation, noting that a large part of it has been destroyed.

Cazeneuve thanked President Christofias and his government for their work in the EU Presidency, adding that Cyprus is chairing over the Council of the EU with great efficiency amid difficult times.