President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides expressed on Wednesday the Government’s support 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 ceremony of the academic year 2024-2025.

The establishment of the American University of Beirut-Mediterraneo in Paphos, he noted, “is a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in education,” and “a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a brighter future for our countries and for our region through education and collaboration.”

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 “momentous occasion holds great significance, both for this esteemed institution but also for Cyprus and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.”

“It is a manifestation of the historically excellent relations between our countries, testament to the bolstering regional cooperation in the field of education. At this very challenging time for our region of conflict, we are standing at the EU’s anchor and lighthouse in the eastern Mediterranean, and send a very strong message of cooperation”, he added.

He then noted that the American University of Beirut, with a rich legacy spanning over 158 years, has not only left its mark on the world stage but it has also had a decisive impact on the trajectory of the lives of thousands of students, beings renowned for its commitment to providing a world-class education and fostering an environment of innovation, research, and critical thinking. “By establishing a presence here in Pafos, in Cyprus, AUB continues its tradition of shaping leaders, advancing scholarship, and promoting a culture of research and academic excellence,” he stressed.

President Christodoulides also referred to the university’s “state-of-the-art facilities”, noting that they are spaces where innovations will be sparked, and where students from diverse backgrounds will come together to learn, cooperate, collaborate, coexist and grow.

“They represent the tangible expression of a vision – a vision that sees Cyprus as a bridge between cultures, a hub of academic rigour, 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 “a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in education.”

“I would like tonight to express the support of our Administration in your new vision for Cyprus,” he said, noting that his Administration continues to reinforce “a successful strategy” launched by the Nikos Anastasiades Government, while expressing his satisfaction for seeing the country evolving into “a regional, European educational hub.”

He also expressed his satisfaction for the fact that, as mentioned, many universities from Greece, Germany, and the wider Middle East are following the example of AUB. ” We are in consultations with them since they expressed interest to establish a campus in our country,” he said.

He also noted that the opening of these new buildings and facilities “also symbolizes the strong partnerships between Cyprus and Lebanon, with the support of the USA, and between our people who have long shared ties of friendship, culture, and commerce.”

“The establishment of AUB-Mediterraneo in Cyprus is a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a brighter future for our countries and for our region through education and collaboration”, he concluded.