We all know in Cyprus the American University of Beirut. Hundreds of Cypriots have studied and today excel as scientists in our country. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I welcome this important and historic occasion for my country.
The decision to establish a new campus of the University of Beirut as a result of the tireless efforts of the Mayor of Pafos, my friend Phaidon Faidonos, gives another dimension to the policy we are following in terms of turning Cyprus into a centre of excellence, a centre of education.
And I just want to mention some numbers.
And I just want to mention some numbers. In 2012-2013, 32 thousand young people were studying in Cyprus, of which only eight thousand came from third countries.
During this year's spring term, 54 thousand students were studying, of which 32 thousand came from Europe and third countries.
In this way and by following a systematic and prudent policy, we have created the conditions to reorient the economic model beyond other business activities in the field of education. And this is very important.
What creates a feeling of particular satisfaction, and I am sure that it reflects the broader relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States, is the presence here of the US Under Secretary of State for Culture and Education, which also reflects the excellent relations that we have built in recent years between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States.
These relations are at their highest level since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.
I would like to believe that the broader foreign policy that we are pursuing, creating and building friendships always aiming at stability and peace in the region, with the contribution of the United States, at some point we will also celebrate the reunification of our country, the liberation from what it has experienced and is experiencing so far, thus creating the conditions - which exist anyway - creating the new perspective and conditions so that my Turkish Cypriot compatriots can also feel that the American University of Beirut is also their university.
I would like to warmly congratulate the contributors to this success, a success which today, with the signature between the parties concerned, creates another dimension in the educational events of our homeland.
I am aware that, among others, one of the renowned faculties of the American University of Beirut is the School of Medicine.
I am sure that the Paphos General Hospital and the State Services in general will come to your aid so that you can work to create and provide what my compatriots expect from one of the oldest and most renowned Universities in the world.
(PM/NG)
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