Donation of a book collection by the Embassy of Ukraine to the University of Cyprus Library and Learning Resource Centre “Stelios Ioannou”, 12 September 2023

The official ceremony of the donation of a book collection by the Embassy of Ukraine to the Library of the University of Cyprus was held on Monday, 4 September, 2023 at the Learning Resource Centre “Stelios Ioannou”, in the context of close cooperation between Cyprus and Ukraine. The collection includes primarily contemporary Ukrainian literature, but also literary works by authors from other countries translated into Ukrainian. The aim of the Embassy of Ukraine is to enhance cooperation and strengthen its relations with the University of Cyprus, as well as to promote the Ukrainian culture, history and civilisation. The donation falls within the framework of the «Ukrainian Bookshelf», implemented under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine, Ms. Olena Zelenska.

Welcoming the ambassador, Mr. Ruslan Nimchynskyi, the Acting Library Director, Ms. Elena Diomidi – Parpouna, expressed her gratitude to the Embassy for this symbolic donation, making special reference to the importance of such cooperation that contributes to the continuous advancement of the Library and the enrichment of its collections with useful and interesting material, both for the greater benefit of the University community and the Cypriot society in general.

In his welcome speech, Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides, thanked the Ambassador for the donation and highlighted the support of Cyprus and the University of Cyprus to the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian students at UCY and to the citizens working at the UCY Language Centre. He expressed his admiration for the bravery and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people who are fighting, under adverse conditions, for freedom and peace.

In his speech, the Ambassador of Ukraine wished that this donation would be a useful source of information for the University community and that it would arouse a keen interest in the history and culture of Ukraine. He noted that today’s donation of books strengthens the cooperation between the University of Cyprus and the Embassy of Ukraine. He thanked the University of Cyprus for accepting the donation, while he also mentioned that the Embassy of Ukraine aims to make more book donations to the University, looking forward to future synergies through research, educational programmes, etc. that will further enhance their relations. He concluded his speech by stating that education is the key to ensuring peace and development for every country and every organisation.