Cyprus intends to develop cooperation with the University of Mariupol

The Republic of Cyprus intends to develop cooperation with the University of Mariupol, which was evacuated from Mariupol in the Donetsk region after the start of the full-scale war and continues to operate in Ukrainian-controlled territory, said the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine, Michalis Firillas.

“Cyprus is a European hub for educational programs, and we see great potential in cooperation with Ukrainian universities. In particular, we are interested in developing a partnership with the University of Mariupol, because Mariupol was historically the center of the Greek community in Ukraine. This creates a natural bridge for educational and cultural projects,” Firillas said at a meeting with a representative of the “Interfax-Ukraine” agency.

The diplomat stressed that educational cooperation should become an important component of bilateral relations between the two states. “We want students and lecturers from Ukraine to have more opportunities to join Cyprus's academic programs, and Cypriot universities to join joint research and exchanges,” he noted.

According to the ambassador, Cyprus is also ready to expand scholarship programs in cooperation with the University of Mariupol so that Ukrainian students can receive a quality European education and take part in international academic initiatives. Firillas added that this would contribute to integrating Ukrainian educational institutions into the European academic space.