15/09/2026
The Rector of the University of Cyprus welcomes a Cuban ambassador on a courtesy visit.
Nicosia, Cyprus, September 15, 2026. - The Cuban ambassador to Cyprus, Rubén Pino Martínez, was received this Tuesday by the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Mr. Tasos Christofides, who welcomed him on a courtesy visit together with the Director of International Relations of the prestigious Cypriot educational institution, Ms. Elena Avgoustidou Kyriacou.
The Cuban diplomat thanked the host authorities for the warm reception at this university campus, founded in the heart of Nicosia in 1989, a modern public institution distinguished by its academic excellence and top references in education, research, and innovation throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region, with a notable impact on contemporary Cypriot society.
During the meeting, Pino Martínez told the staff at the Rector's Office about the difficult situation Cuba is facing today as a result of the economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed by the United States, whose executive orders adopted in January and May of this year worsen the current scenario on the island by imposing sanctions against companies, countries, and institutions that try to supply fuel or maintain trade relations with Cuba. “They are trying to economically suffocate the Cuban people,” Pino Martínez noted.
At the same time, he shared with them the report that his country will present to the United Nations Secretary-General on October 27 and 28 about the economic, commercial, and financial damages caused by the US blockade against the island over the past year, which exceed 8.083 billion dollars and affect Cuba as a collective punishment for the entire nation in all areas of daily life.
For his part, the Rector stated that he was aware of the situation and expressed “his concern about the impact of these measures, both in Cuba and in third countries, also affected by policies of a similar nature.”
The Cuban diplomat also conveyed his full willingness to support initiatives organized by his embassy in collaboration with the University of Cyprus to strengthen ties in the academic field and bilateral cultural promotion. Among other proposals, the possible hosting of photographic exhibitions and Cuban film cycles on the university campus was considered, initiatives that would spark interest not only among the student body but also the general Cypriot public.
Likewise, promoting academic exchange between the Cypriot institution and similar Cuban universities and organizing virtual meetings for students, faculty, and professionals; this last initiative was seen as timely and promising for both parties.
Tasos Christofides and his team talked with the Cuban ambassador about the graduate programs, master's, and doctoral degrees offered by the prestigious institution through its 8 faculties and 22 departments, each aligned with the European Credit Transfer System and recognized globally, allowing mobility for their students.
Before saying goodbye, Pino Martínez gave the rector an audiovisual anthology of the Cuban filmmaker Santiago Álvarez, featuring documentaries about Latin America and the largest of the Antilles, for use in the university’s modern and prestigious library. The collection includes — among other gems of Cuban documentary filmmaking—works such as “I am a Child of America… and I Owe Myself to It,” “How, Why, and For What is a General Killed?” and “Until Victory, Always.”
Cuban Embassy in Cyprus.
https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/es/node/179556
Consulado Cuba ChipreCancillería de CubaWFTU - World Federation of Trade UnionsΚυπροΚουβανικός Σύνδεσμος Φιλίας - Asociación de Amistad Chipre CubaΠαγκύπρια Εργατική Ομοσπονδία ΠΕΟ - Pancyprian Federation of Labour PEOΠΟΓΟ ΛάρνακαςΚεντρικό Συμβούλιο ΕΔΟΝ - Central Council EDONTasos CosteasYaira Jiménez RoigAna Laura Pérez Armas
