The operation of the Chair of Cypriot Studies at the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidis.

In his greeting, the President of the Republic of Cyprus said that the importance of the establishment of the Chair in question is extraordinary and his joy is double because its opening coincides not only with his administration but also with the completion of 100 years of operation of the Aristotle University.

“For all of us, the Edra is a national asset, not only because its purpose is to further enhance the promotion of the history of our country, the achievements of Cyprus through the centuries, as part of the wider whole of Hellenism, but also, through the Edra, to consciously invest in the new generation, in tomorrow, in the future of our country. That is why the financial sponsorship for the Chair has been entirely taken over by the Republic of Cyprus precisely because we believe in its value as a national obligation and mission”, stressed Mr. Christodoulidis.

“We are not just inaugurating a new academic Chair related to the deeper knowledge and study of the Cypriot historical course, but through this academic initiative we are inaugurating a living bridge of knowledge, culture and common memory between Cyprus and Greece.

Its establishment is a point of reference and symbolizes the historical relationship between the two countries and our common vision for the future of education and research”, noted the Minister of Education of Cyprus Athina Michailidou.

Deputy Minister of Education, Nikos Papaioannou, who represented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, spoke of “an event with heavy symbolism that seals the common culture and the timeless relationship between Greece and Cyprus”.

“The presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, here at AUTh, is a practical confirmation of the spiritual and historical unity of Hellenism, beyond borders and eras. Education is the most stable foundation of peace and coexistence,” said Mr. Papaioannou.

On behalf of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he expressed the deep satisfaction and pride of the Greek government for this initiative, saying that it is the starting point of a new cycle of cooperation

The rector of AUTH, Kyriakos Anastasiadis, spoke about a “very important academic initiative that has a very strong symbolism and perspective”.

“This is the start-up that gives students the opportunity to see the Cypriot identity and reality, highlighting both the cultural heritage and spiritual tradition of Cyprus and contributing to the preservation of historical memory. Cyprus and Greece have very strong national institutions and a link in this chain is the Center for Cypriot Studies which will be a point of reference for the wider region”, pointed out the rector.

The event for the inauguration was opened by the dean of the School of Law, Panagiotis Glavinis, while professors who contributed to the creation of the Chair took the floor.

The Minister of Defense of Cyprus, Vassilis Palmas, was also present.

Nikos Roubos