Cyprus is getting ready to lead the European Union for six months. Many international visitors are expected. Around 20,000 officials and experts will come to the island. This will increase travel and show Cyprus's good organization. President Nikos Christodoulides opened a postcard exhibition at Larnaca Airport. It is a special welcome for guests. The exhibition connects history with Europe today.
The exhibition is called "Carte Postale. EU journey through the lens of time." It shows about 250 old postcards. These postcards are from Cyprus and other EU countries. They show old landscapes and how people wrote letters. This helps visitors feel a connection to Europe's past. Cyprus also did a similar exhibition ten years ago.
A journalist named Panicos Hadjipanayis organized the exhibition. He used postcards from his late father, Antonis. Antonis was a refugee and collected postcards for many years. His collection now helps Cyprus show its European story. It combines history and personal memories. This shows Cyprus is an important part of Europe.
More people are expected to fly to Cyprus. This is because of good work between the government and businesses. President Christodoulides said, "We are seeing historic records in arrivals." The 20,000 visitors for the presidency will be important for the economy. The country needs good services for them.
The postcard exhibition is also a way to remember the past. President Christodoulides said, "Postcards still possess a charm." He thinks older people will remember them. Younger people can discover them. The exhibition helps with a big job. It also makes people think and connect. The presidency will show Cyprus's skills and character.
Cyprus is showing it is well-prepared for its EU role. It is using this chance to show its good organization. It is also using diplomacy with the exhibition. Greeting guests with historical images tells a story. It shows Cyprus is strong and connected to Europe. This presidency will be about talking about culture and important political decisions.