On June 16, 2026, the State University of Trade and Economics warmly hosted a distinguished diplomatic delegation. The university was honored by the official visit of His Excellency Mr. Michalis Firillas, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine, Mr. Kostiantyn Balabanov, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in Mariupol and Iryna Chalova, Personal Assistant to the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine.
The purpose of the visit was to hold high-level negotiations focused on expanding the horizons of academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between SUTE and the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Ukraine.

The official meeting commenced in the SUTE Rectorate Hall. Rector Anatolii Mazaraki warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the importance of establishing new academic ties. In his address, His Excellency Mr. Michalis Firillas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine, expressed his sincere support for Ukrainian higher education and reaffirmed the Embassy's readiness to facilitate the development of bilateral cooperation.

During the talks, the parties outlined key vectors of future interaction aimed at further integrating student youth into the European educational and cultural space. In particular, mutual intentions were solidified to implement a series of significant initiatives, including:

• Diplomatic Engagements: organizing a cycle of open guest lectures by His Excellency the Ambassador and representatives of the Cypriot community for the SUTE student community;
• Academic Partnership: concluding memorandums and cooperation agreements with leading higher education institutions of the Republic of Cyprus;
• Scientific Integration: developing and executing joint international research projects;
• International Mobility: launching exchange and internship programs for undergraduate, postgraduate students, and faculty members;
• Practical Training: facilitating international internships and the acquisition of advanced global professional experience;
• Cultural Diplomacy: organizing the screening of a historical documentary film about the Republic of Cyprus, alongside an evening of Cypriot music and culture for faculty and students;
• European Horizons: providing vital facilitation and support in organizing internships for SUTE representatives within the institutions of the European Union;
• Professional Discussions: hosting specialized lectures and expert seminars dedicated to pressing issues of international migration policy.

A guided campus tour was arranged for the foreign guests, during which Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and International Relations Anzhelika Gerasymenko and Sergiy Kravtsov, Leading Specialist of the International Relations Department, demonstrated SUTE’s state-of-the-art material and technical infrastructure, including cutting-edge educational laboratories, interactive lecture halls, and the modernized library complex. The guests highly praised the advanced level of digitalization and the exceptional comfort of the university’s educational environment, which continues to actively develop and ensure an uninterrupted learning process.

The program concluded with a visit to the Educational and Production Association of SUTE and the Grand Reception Hall. Both parties reaffirmed their mutual readiness for a proactive start and the practical realization of all discussed projects.

SUTE extends its heartfelt gratitude to the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Cyprus for their visit and openness to dialogue, and looks forward with great optimism to a long-term, fruitful, and inspiring partnership!

Tamara Kortukova,
Head of International Relations Department