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It is with great pleasure that
I participate in today’s ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the American
University of Beirut-Mediterraneo, in Pafos. Today’s event testifies to our
commitment to promote academic excellence, as well as our willingness to
support regional synergies and cooperation. The opening of the American
University of Beirut Mediterraneo creates new avenues for knowledge,
innovation, and research.
The American University of
Beirut has a rich legacy of over 157 years. It has influenced the lives of
thousands of students and contributed to the prosperity of Lebanon and nearby
countries, including Cyprus. The establishment of the Cyprus campus in Pafos,
will contribute both to the education sector of the island and at the same
time serve in further reinforcing the strong bond between Cyprus and Lebanon,
by fostering deeper collaboration and friendship between our academic
communities.
The establishment of The
American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo in Pafos is fully in line with
our policy to promote Cyprus as a regional and international educational,
technological and research hub. In the context of the implementation of our
Governance Programme, we aim to turn Cyprus into an international,
high-quality academic destination. At the same time, we are pursuing
intergovernmental agreements for the mutual recognition of academic
qualifications, aiming at establishing an international higher education,
while we systematically use the scientific potential of Cyprus universities
for the formulation of development policies. Moreover, we promote
partnerships and synergies between our universities, in order to link
research activities to the diverse challenges of Cyprus. We are pleased to
see that higher education in Cyprus is making tremendous progress over the
past few years. And I would like to acknowledge the presence and the
significant work by President Anastassiades. Occasions like the one we
experience today offer a new impetus to these efforts.
I would like to express our
deep appreciation to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AUB, Dr Philip
Khoury, the President of AUB, Dr Fadlo Khuri and the other eminent members of
the University administration. I assure you that you can count on the support
of the Government.
Congratulations to each and
every one who contributed in the realization of this endeavour, including the
former President – the agreement was signed during his term in office – and
of course the Mayor and the Municipality of Pafos. We pledge our support to
ensure the success and growth of the American University of Beirut –
Mediterraneo in Pafos.
Together we celebrate the
opening of this prestigious University and embrace the countless
opportunities it will bring. May this higher education institution be a
beacon of knowledge, fostering a brighter future of our youth, our countries,
and our region.
(RM/AP/ECHR) | 
