A delegation from The Cyprus Institute (CyI) visited Lebanon to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral collaboration with Lebanese universities. The delegation was received by the President of the Republic of Lebanon, Joseph Khalil Aoun, in the presence of Dr. Elias L. Warrak, President of the University of Balamand (UoB) and of the Universities Association of Lebanon (UAOLB).

 

During the meeting, Professor Stavros Malas outlined CyI’s strategic plans to expand collaborative initiatives with Lebanese universities, emphasizing that, despite the country’s many challenges, Lebanon hosts high-quality academic institutions capable of competing successfully for research funding under European Commission programmes. In this context, he proposed that Lebanon explore the possibility of becoming an Associated Member of the next EU Research Framework Programme. He also presented the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI), highlighting the importance of close cooperation with the Center for Climate Diplomacy and Sustainable Peace (CDSP) at UoB to coordinate regional research efforts. The CyI delegation expressed its deep appreciation to President Aoun for his warm welcome, the frank and constructive exchange of views, and his commitment to exploring Lebanon’s potential association with the forthcoming EU Framework Programme, reaffirming CyI’s readiness to provide full support, particularly during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

 

Building on these high-level discussions, the visit included a series of engagements with leading Lebanese universities. At Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), the CyI delegation renewed its long-standing and productive collaboration, particularly in atmospheric research and air quality, led by Professors Jean Sciare and Charbel Afif, through the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding. The Renewed MoU was signed by the President of the CyI, Prof Stavros Malas and USJ’s Rector, Prof François Boëdec, S.J.

 

At the University of Balamand, following the recently signed MoU, discussions focused on current and future areas of collaboration, with particular emphasis on cooperation with CDSP, led by Fadi Comair, which is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing joint initiatives within the EMME-CCI framework. The delegation also visited the University’s Koura campus, meeting laboratory directors and receiving briefings on research infrastructure and ongoing scientific activities.

 

In addition, CyI signed a new MoU with the Lebanese American University (LAU), signed by Professor Stavros Malas and LAU President, Dr. Chaoukki Abdallah, further strengthening ties established during a previous LAU visit to CyI and paving the way for expanded academic and research collaboration in the period ahead.

 

Finally, the delegation met the rector and senior academics from the American University of Beirut, and discussed ways of collaboration of areas of mutual strength.