The opening of the “Jordan River Foundation” exhibition entitled “Traditional and Contemporary Handicrafts from Jordan” was held at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens; a unique and representative sample of the art of weaving and handicrafts : carpets, tapestries, table cloths, drapes etc, which reflect the heritage of one of the oldest civilisations of the Middle East.

The exhibition was organised by the “Foundation for the Child and the Family”, and it was held under the auspices of H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and of UNESCO. The aim of the exhibition was the promotion of the intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, understanding and tolerance between peoples, through the art and the social solidarity.

Mrs. Vardinoyannis, in her brief address, emphasized the fact that the initiative for the organisation of this exhibition springs from a faith in the great effort being made by the Jordan River Foundation – founded by H.M. Queen Rania – to empower women and support children, and in the conviction that only through the uniting of forces can a better and fairer world for children be created.

The opening of the exhibition was attended by numerous personalities from the fields of politics, diplomacy, culture and business, as well as representatives of all the Greek and foreign media. Among others: the Greek deputy Minister of Culture Mrs. Fani Palli-Petralia, the Mayor of Athens Mrs. Dora Bakoyannis, the representative of the Director General of UNESCO Mrs. Basma Irsheid, the Ambassador of Jordan in Greece Mr. Atef Halasa, the President of the Museum of Cycladic Art Mrs. Dolly Goulandris, the President of the “Melina Merkouri Foundation” Mr Jules Dassin, the Director of the “Jordan River Foundation” Mrs. Maha Khatib, Lord Michel Anders Cavendish, Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Ferrari, Mr. and Mrs. Ghassan Ghandour, and many more.