The enhancement of the Republic of Cyprus’s international role sends a clear message to Ankara regarding the consequences for Turkey itself of continuing the unacceptable status quo in Cyprus, emphasized the President of the Republic during his induction as an Honorary Doctor of the Department of International and European Studies at the School of Social, Humanities and Arts at the University of Macedonia, which took place today in the University’s Ceremonial Amphitheater.
The President of the Republic referred to the University of Macedonia’s long-standing ties with Cyprus, noting that thousands of Cypriot alumni now hold key positions in the country’s public and private sectors. He made special mention of the late professor and former Rector of the University, Elias Kouskouvelis, for his significant contribution to strengthening relations with Cyprus and promoting the Cypriot cause through educational and academic initiatives.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
At the same time, he emphasized that this honorary title is part of Cyprus’s close institutional ties with Thessaloniki and its academic institutions, expressing his desire to further strengthen them.
In accepting the honorary distinction, Mr. Christodoulides noted that this is not only a personal honor but also a sign of the University of Macedonia’s love and appreciation for Cyprus and its people.
Στη μέχρι τώρα διαδρομή μου, ως διπλωμάτης, ως ιστορικός και ως πολιτικός, πάντοτε έχω κατά νου, πώς μπορεί να επιτυγχάνεται η αγαστή συνεργασία της πολιτικής, της πρακτικής της διπλωματίας, με τους ακαδημαϊκούς, τους θεωρητικούς των διεθνών σχέσεων που έχουν τόσα σημαντικά να συνεισφέρουν και πρέπει διαρκώς να αξιοποιούνται. Και αυτή η σύζευξη ακαδημαϊκών και πολιτικών, προφανώς και εύλογα ενδιαφέρει τους πολίτες που εναποθέτουν τις ελπίδες τους σε τέτοιες συμπράξεις, ώστε να βρεθούν οι καλύτερες δυνατές λύσεις στα μεγάλα πολιτικά, οικονομικά, περιβαλλοντικά και κοινωνικά προβλήματα της εποχής μας. Βεβαίως, θυμόμαστε όλοι, ότι κατά τον Πλάτωνα, η ιδανική πολιτεία είναι εκείνη όπου ή θα κυβερνήσουν τις πολιτείες οι φιλόσοφοι ή οι βασιλείς θα ασχοληθούν με τη φιλοσοφία, ώστε να συμπέσει στο ίδιο πρόσωπο η πολιτική δύναμη και η φιλοσοφία. Μέσα σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, εκλαμβάνω και τη σημερινή τιμητική αναγόρευσή μου από το Πανεπιστήμιο Μακεδονίας. Στη βάση της πλατωνικής λογικής κανένας από μόνος του, είτε πρακτικός της διπλωματίας, πολιτικός ή τεχνοκράτης, είτε θεωρητικός, δεν επαρκεί για να φέρει τα προσδοκώμενα για τον λαό αποτελέσματα, αλλά μόνον οι δυνατές ομάδες που θα απαρτίζονται από ανθρώπους και από τους δύο κόσμους. Έτσι μόνο υπάρχει η εμπειρία του πρακτικού μαζί με την παιδεία και επιστημονική τεκμηρίωση του θεωρητικού και μόνο τότε μπορούν να έλθουν τα επιθυμητά αποτελέσματα. Μόνο έτσι, στις σύγχρονες Δημοκρατίες, θα συμπέσει η πολιτική δύναμη με τη φιλοσοφία που ο Πλάτωνας θεωρεί άκρως απαραίτητη. Και στον σημερινό κόσμο με τις τεράστιες προκλήσεις που έχουμε να αντιμετωπίσουμε, η τόσο γρήγορα μεταβαλλόμενη επιστημονική τεχνογνωσία μετατρέπει τη σύμπραξη αυτή σε απόλυτη ανάγκη.
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) November 6, 2026
The President of the Republic emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the political and academic communities, noting that drawing on scientific knowledge and diplomatic experience can help find effective solutions to contemporary challenges.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, he noted that a historical review of the initiatives and plans for its resolution, from 1948 to the present, shows that efforts to resolve it have been influenced over time by regional and international developments at each stage.
He also emphasized that a key priority of the Republic of Cyprus’s foreign policy is to enhance its international standing and actively participate in regional, European, and international developments. As he noted, “our goal is to promote the added value and role that the Republic of Cyprus plays in shaping regional and European developments, which will help not only in the effort to resolve the Cyprus problem but also in shaping the content of a potential solution,” which must be compatible with the principles, values, and, above all, with European Union (EU) law.
He also pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus is viewed through a different lens at the regional, European, and international levels. “With a foreign policy that is no longer single-issue, Cyprus has now become a positive reference point and a pillar of stability and security in the region,” he noted. He also emphasized that Cyprus is recognized as a reliable partner that contributes to the security and stability of a region of particular importance to both the EU and the international community.
Αντιφώνηση του ΠτΔ μετά την αναγόρευση του σε επίτιμο διδάκτορα του Πανεπιστημίου Μακεδονίας, σε αναγνώριση της συμβολής του στον τομέα των Διεθνών Σχέσεων. @CYpresidency @cyprusingreece @CyThessaloniki https://t.co/DKxtBVBkb2
— yiannis antoniou (@AntoniouYiannis) November 6, 2026
Mr. Christodoulides also referred to his government’s efforts toward reforms, the modernization of institutions, strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption and addressing migration, as well as enhancing security and social welfare. He emphasized that a strong economy is a prerequisite for achieving these goals, noting that the Republic of Cyprus has returned, for the first time since 2011, to an “A” investment grade rating from all international rating agencies. At the same time, he noted that the drastic reduction of public debt to below 50 percent, combined with a budget surplus and an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent— the lowest rate since 2008, creates the conditions for substantial support for households and businesses.
Finally, the President of the Republic emphasized that the goal is for the Republic of Cyprus to evolve into a free and sovereign state throughout its entire territory, without an occupying army, without guarantors, and without intervention rights, and expressed the gratitude of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot Greek community for the long-standing support of the Greek state and the Greek people.
In welcoming the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Rector of the University of Macedonia, Professor Konstantinos Papadopoulos, stated that the conferral of an honorary doctorate upon the President of the Republic of Cyprus is a recognition of his scholarly achievements, his diplomatic experience, and his public service. As he aptly noted, “the conferral of an honorary academic title is not merely a symbolic gesture toward a person who holds a high public office,” but rather expresses appreciation for the honoree’s work and career. At the same time, he emphasized the special significance of the ceremony for the University of Macedonia, noting that its ties with Cyprus have been forged through the enrollment of Cypriot students, university partnerships, and joint educational and research initiatives.
“The University of Macedonia welcomes you today not only as the highest-ranking state representative of the Republic of Cyprus, but also as a man of science, diplomacy, and public service,” said the Rector, emphasizing that, at a critical time for the southeastern Mediterranean, “your role and character as a political leader, a patriot, and a voice for the sentiments and rights of the people of Cyprus are coming to the fore.”
In his remarks, the representative of the Greek Government, the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, responsible for higher education, Professor Nikos Papaioannou, stated that the conferral of an honorary doctorate from the Department of International and European Studies upon the President of the Republic of Cyprus “is an act of recognition of his career in the fields of diplomacy, international politics, and international relations, as well as an opportunity to highlight the enduring and unbreakable relationship between Greece and Cyprus.”
He also noted that today’s event marks a special moment for Greek-Cypriot relations, which are rooted in a shared history, language, culture, and a long-standing sense of shared responsibility toward Hellenism. “Cyprus is an integral part of Hellenism, but at the same time a sovereign European state, with its own international presence, its own institutional obligations, and its own significant role in European and regional affairs,” he noted.
Next, the floor was given to Mr. Dimitris Kouvelas, who, representing the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, delivered a greeting and spoke about the significance of the event, noting, among other things, that “By honoring today the diplomat who became a leader, the University of Macedonia honors a value taught daily in this institution: that reliable international cooperation, based on the rule of law and the European perspective of our countries, are vital political tools and a source of strength in turbulent times, when Europe is being tested by geopolitical upheavals and security crises.”
Next, Vice Rector Spyros Litsas presented the honoree’s work and contributions. He referred to President Christodoulides’s academic work, which “combines historical depth, theoretical sensitivity, and political insight,” as well as his long-standing commitment to the principle that the current status quo of Cyprus’s division cannot be a solution.
At the same time, he emphasized that President Christodoulides embodies the mission of the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Macedonia to train scholars who combine high-leveltraining with a substantive political and international presence. As he aptly noted: “Nikos Christodoulidis reminds us that the science of International Relations is not the result of Delphic oracles, but rather the necessity of rational thought and political initiative.” In closing, he noted: “The University of Macedonia and the Department of International and European Studies are not merely honoring you, Mr. President; they are welcoming you as one of their own.”
Reading the rationale for the decision to award the title of Honorary Doctorate from the University of Macedonia, the Chair of the Department of International and European Studies, Associate Professor Ioannis Konstantinidis, noted, among other things, that “the honoree’s combined academic, diplomatic, and political career of the honoree offers a rare international example of the interconnection between theory and practice, which is particularly useful for the University’s students and research community.” He also noted that the conferral of an honorary doctorate upon President Christodoulides “enhances the international prestige of the University of Macedonia, while opening up prospects for further academic collaborations with academic institutions in Cyprus.”
In conclusion, Mr. Konstantinidis said that “at a time when the Cyprus issue remains a thorn in the side of international legitimacy, as well as a seismic fault line in the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean, the honorary recognition of Cyprus’s head of state by the University of Macedonia reinforces the message of commitment to international legitimacy and the protection of national sovereignty.”
The honorary ceremony was attended, among others, by Greece’s Minister of Justice, Mr. George Floridis, the Deputy Minister of the Interior responsible for Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Konstantinos Gioulekas, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Labor, Ms. Anna Efthymiu, representatives of political, religious, military, and state leadership, members of the academic community of the University of Macedonia, as well as representatives of local authorities, organizations, and associations.
The President of the Republic was accompanied by the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mr. Yiannis Antoniou; the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece, Mr. Stavros Avgoustides; the Consul General in Thessaloniki, Mr. Konstantinos Polykarpou, and other officials.
