Today, March 11, a meeting took place between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Sergii Nizhynskyi, and the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus, Athena Michaelidou. 

The parties held a constructive dialogue during which possible areas of cooperation were discussed.

The Minister expressed interest in the Embassy’s initiatives regarding student exchange programs and the establishment of dialogue between the youth of Cyprus and Ukraine. Regarding the education of Ukrainian school-age children, the Ministry reported that 700 students are currently studying in public schools on the island where instruction is conducted in Greek. Most Ukrainians have chosen to study online in Ukrainian schools or attend private Ukrainian and English-language schools.

Ambassador Dr. Sergii Nizhynskyi raised the topic of joint sporting events involving Ukrainian and Cypriot athletes and teams, as well as the possibility of organizing sports activities for Ukrainian veterans undergoing rehabilitation.

The Ambassador also noted the prospects for the social integration of Ukrainians and the development of the Cypriot economy that would result from the recognition of Ukrainian diplomas in Cyprus. He separately emphasized the need to recognize the diplomas of Ukrainian psychologists, as Ukrainians on the island require psychological support specifically from Ukrainian specialists in the Ukrainian language.

Dr. Sergii Nizhynskyi and Athena Michaelidou also discussed the life and development of Greek communities in Ukraine and the importance of preserving and studying the native language among Ukrainian Greeks.

A series of further meetings between the Embassy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus is planned to elaborate on joint projects.