Business matters and the prospects for further cooperation between companies in Cyprus and Iraq were discussed during a luncheon hosted by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). The event honored the President of Iraq, Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid, and his accompanying business delegation during their official visit to Cyprus.

According to a CCCI announcement, notable attendees included Annita Demetriou, the President of the Parliament, Alexis Vafeades, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, and other government officials.

It is noteworthy that the Iraqi President's official visit to Cyprus took place yesterday, featuring a comprehensive discussion and exchange of views with the President of the Republic on key issues affecting the broader region.

In related news, the Cyprus Institute will award ten scholarships for the academic year 2024-2025 to students from Iraq, as announced by the Institute's President, Professor Stavros Malas, during his Tuesday meeting with the President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, in Nicosia.

Professor Malas expressed support and solidarity with the people of Iraq, who are facing significant socio-economic and political challenges. He described President Rashid as a "symbol of unity" and outlined the Institute's commitment to strengthening scientific activity in Iraq.

The Institute plans to grant ten scholarships: five at the postgraduate level and five at the doctoral level, in various programs it offers. Specifically, five full scholarships will be awarded to PhD students from Iraq in Computational Sciences, Energy, Environment and Atmospheric Sciences, and Science and Technology in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Additionally, the Institute will cover 50% of tuition fees for five other postgraduate students in Simulation and Data Science, Environmental Sciences, and Digital Cultural Heritage.

President Rashid thanked the Cyprus Institute for the scholarships. He reflected on Iraq's long history of conflicts, acknowledging that such controversies have hindered scientific and societal progress. He recalled Iraq's historical strengths in science, technology, agriculture, medicine, engineering, and archaeology, lamenting their regression due to recent decades of wars and conflicts.

President Rashid noted a positive shift in Iraq's approach in recent years, emphasizing that conflicts and wars do not contribute to societal well-being or progress. His remarks were followed by a presentation on the activities and programs of the Cyprus Institute, concluding with a tour of the Institute's facilities.