Pafos Live 5 September 2024
The support of the Government was expressed tonight by President Nikos Christodoulides to the vision of the American University of Beirut (AUB)-Mediterraneo for Cyprus. In his address at the opening ceremony of the University's new campus in Paphos and the opening of the academic year 2024-2025, he said that the establishment of the American University of Beirut-Mediterraneo in Paphos, "is an important step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in education", and proof of our shared dedication to promoting a brighter future for the countries of the region through education and cooperation.
He also said that many universities from Greece, Germany, and the wider Middle East are following AUB's example, having expressed interest in establishing a campus in Cyprus, and are in consultation with the Government.
In his address, President Christodoulides said that "this important occasion is of great importance, both for this honorable institution, but also for Cyprus and the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean."
"It is a manifestation of the historically excellent relations between our countries, proof of the strengthening of regional cooperation in the field of education," he said, noting that, at this very difficult time for the region, "we stand at the anchor and beacon of the EU in the eastern Mediterranean and send a very strong message of cooperation."
He noted that the American University of Beirut, with a rich heritage spanning over 158 years, not only left its mark on the world stage, it also had a decisive impact on the course of the lives of thousands of students. It is known for its commitment to providing world-class education and encouraging an environment of innovation, research and critical thinking, he added. "By establishing a presence here in Paphos, Cyprus, AUB continues its tradition of shaping leaders, promoting scholarships and fostering a culture of research and academic excellence," he said.
President Christodoulides also referred to the university's "state-of-the-art facilities", noting that they are places where innovations will be triggered and where students from different backgrounds will come together to learn, collaborate, coexist and grow.
"They represent the tangible expression of a vision that sees Cyprus as a bridge between cultures, a hub of academic curation and a place where the power of education can truly transform lives," he added.
Noting that education is the cornerstone of progress and the platform from which we can build a better future, President Christodoulides said that the establishment of the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo in Paphos "is an important step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in education".
"I would like tonight to express our Government's support for your new vision for Cyprus," he said, noting that his own Government continues to strengthen "a successful strategy" initiated by the Nicos Anastasiades Government, "and we are very pleased to see our country evolving into a regional, European educational hub."
He also expressed his pleasure because, as he said, many universities from Greece, Germany, and the wider Middle East are following AUB's example. "We are in consultation with them after they expressed interest in establishing a campus in our country," he said.
He noted that the opening of these new buildings and facilities "also symbolizes the strong partnerships between Cyprus and Lebanon, with the support of the United States, and between our peoples who share longstanding ties of friendship, culture and trade."
The establishment of AUB-Mediterraneo in Cyprus is proof of "our common dedication" to promoting a brighter future for our countries and for our region through education and cooperation, he said.
