ATHENS, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Top officials from Greece and Cyprus on Monday signed a memorandum of cultural cooperation between their nations and discussed protection of cultural heritage, an area they said was vitally important to both nations.

    Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Voulgarakis said after talks with his Cypriot counterpart Akis Kleanthous, "The reality is that there are many fields in which we can increase our cooperation and look into collaborations that can take place."

    A more detailed program of implementation will be signed in November, the Greek minister said.

    Voulgarakis termed protection of cultural heritage as "a vital matter of exceptional interest for both countries."

    Kleanthous said, "We had a very good collaboration, because we need assistance in the development and highlighting of our cultural heritage."

    Cyprus is a country with a rich cultural heritage which, however, it is not taking advantage of, Kleanthous said.

    The Cypriot minister added that the two countries could also cooperate in the field of modern culture.