Press Releases

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)