The expansion of higher education particularly in the fields of modern technology, medicine and energy to create qualified manpower for businesses and organisations, preventing at the same time the number of Cypriot scientists moving abroad, is the Government`s highest priority, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Tuesday.
“The academic development of Cyprus and at the same time developing research and innovation is for the government an integral part of the economic, social and cultural development of our country. The expansion of higher education, particularly in the fields of modern technology, medicine, energy, specialized topics and the contemporary needs of the country, which would create qualified manpower for the productive businesses and organizations and reduce the number of Cypriot scientists moving abroad, is our highest priority” said President Anastasiades, addressing a scientific workshop of the Kios Research Centre for Intelligent Systems and Networks, of the University of Cyprus.
He noted that the economic crisis has not affected the creativity of Cypriot scientists, who continue to work to achieve excellence. “We feel proud because although small in size, we excel at European and international level” he said.
The President thanked the University of Cyprus “for its substantial contribution” to the Cypriot society.
The European Investment Bank has accepted to grant a loan of 140 mn euro to the University of Cyprus, with favorable repayment terms, to complete the campus, Rector of the University of Cyprus Constantinos Christofides announced.
Christofides said that he received last Friday a letter from EIB President informing him that the final negotiations can be conducted at the beginning of July.
Asking for the President`s support, the Rector said that “the EIB loan, along with donations and resources from the structural funds, pave the way for the completion of the campus, in times of crisis.