On Thursday, March 28, 2024, two high-profile business and political delegations, led by the President of the Republic of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, visited The Cyprus Institute’s premises in Athalassa, Nicosia.

 

This visit took place within the framework of the official visit of the President of Estonia to Cyprus. The Estonian delegations’ visits gained insight into the Institute’s educational activities and explored potential areas of collaboration with Estonian companies and research institutions.

 

CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas stated that Estonia is an excellent example of how research can help a country move forward and grow. “The Cyprus Institute is also a very good example in the field of research, since its reputation goes beyond the borders of Cyprus, increasing Cyprus’ influence”, he said.

 

Preceding the visit by the President of Estonia, a business delegation consisting of Estonian businesspeople had the opportunity to learn about CyI’s business activities including spin-offs and other collaborations through CyI’s Innovation Directorate. Technical Services and Support Office Coordinator, Dr. Anixi Antonakoudi, and Senior Innovation Officer, Mrs. Natalie Kafantari, delivered a presentation, followed by a visit to selected CyI facilities including the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL), the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs) and the Linear Fresnel Collector (LFC).

 

The Estonian political delegation included H.E. President of the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, the First Lady, Mrs. Sirje Karis, the Ambassador of Estonia to Cyprus, H.E. Mrs Karin Rannu, the Member of the Parliament, Chairman of Estonia-Cyprus Friendship Group, Mr. Kristo-Enn Vaga, the Economic Adviser to the President, Mr. Kaspar Oja, the Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Office of the President, Mrs. Kristel Engman, the Head of Communication Department of the Office of the President, Mrs. Mariann Sudakov, the Director of Division for South-Eastern Europe and EU General Affairs, Department for Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Janne Jõesaar-Ruusalu, the Adviser of the Protocol Department of the Office of the President, Mrs. Sigrid Herodes, the Counsellor, Department for Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Helena-Maret Sepandi, and the Counsellor of the Embassy of Estonia in Athens, Mr. Ahti Raidal.

 

Present at the meeting on behalf of CyI were its President, Prof. Stavros Malas, along with Member of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, Vice President of Operations, Dr. Michalis Yiangou, Asst. Vice President of Policy and Internal Communications, Mrs. Eleni Sophocleous, STARC Director, Prof. Michel Menu, CARE-C Director, Prof. Jean Sciare, Director of Research and Technical Support, Dr Vassilis Tsakalos, and Head of Graduate School, Dr. Chrysanthia Leontiou.

 

CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas gave a brief presentation on CyI's activities and milestones, and the political delegation had the opportunity to visit CyI facilities including the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL) and the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs).

 

The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Cyprus to Finland, H.E. Mr. Demetris Samuel, the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Koula Sophianou, and the Diplomat, Protocol Division, Mr. Ioannis Theodosiou.