Athens: The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, highlighted the importance of strong higher education institutions for the economy, during today's inauguration ceremony for the University of Nicosia's branch in Athens in the presence of the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Christodoulides emphasized that the education sector is a key component of the Cypriot economy, with significant growth potential. He noted that the government is prioritizing investment in education and training, with a substantial portion of the national budget dedicated to education and health sectors.
Christodoulides expressed pride in the University of Nicosia, which currently enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 100 countries. He highlighted the success of Cyprus's 2007 initiative to invest in higher education and attract international students, resulting in about 40,000 foreign students currently studying in Cyprus.
The Cypriot government, in collaboration with public and private universities, aims to attract more students by ensuring the provision of quality education, according to Christodoulides. He views higher education as an investment in the country's future, crucial for linking education to the labor market.
Christodoulides also remarked on the importance of European universities in enhancing the EU's competitiveness and praised the recent legislation allowing the establishment of university branches in Cyprus. He mentioned ongoing discussions with other universities from Greece and abroad, further strengthening Cyprus-Greece relations.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the inauguration, expressing satisfaction with the new branch of the University of Nicosia in Athens. He highlighted the institution's high academic standards and infrastructure, contributing to Greece's ambition to become a global educational hub.
Mitsotakis also addressed the revision of Article 16 of the Greek Constitution, which would institutionalize such educational initiatives. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Greek and Cypriot education ministers, ambassadors, religious leaders, and local government officials.