Athens: The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing higher education during his visit to the newly established branch of the University of Nicosia in Athens (UNIC Athens).
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides toured the facilities of the new branch, engaging with Chief Executive Officer Antonis Polemitis and other officials to discuss the university’s impact on higher education in Greece, as well as its educational and research initiatives. He highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening higher education in Cyprus, with an emphasis on linking it to modern technological advancements and societal needs.
During his visit to Greece, President Christodoulides also explored the National Technical University of Athens, holding discussions with the Rector and the Rector of the Athens School of Fine Arts. The meeting was attended by Greek Minister of Education, Religion and Sport, Sofia Zacharaki, and Deputy Minister of Education responsible for Higher Education, Nikolaos Papaioannou. The President acknowledged the significant role of the National Technical University of Athens in the academic landscape of both Greece and Cyprus.
Professor Ioannis K. Hatzigeorgiou, Rector of the National Technical University of Athens, briefed President Christodoulides on the university’s research initiatives and expertise in advanced fields. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Erato Hatzisavva, Cypriot Rector of the Athens School of Fine Arts, discussed the institution’s influence on contemporary Greek cultural identity and its contributions to artistic development.
President Christodoulides also attended a meeting with Professor Gerasimos Siassos, Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, who praised the President’s role in the establishment of the University of Nicosia’s branch in Nicosia. The President was joined by various Cypriot officials including Deputy Minister to the President Irini Piki and Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou.
Later, at the Cyprus House in Athens, President Christodoulides participated in a ceremony honoring the work and contributions of Giorgos Georgi to Cypriot cultural diplomacy and the strengthening of cultural ties. Georgi has been instrumental as Director of the Cyprus House for several years.