President of House of Representatives of Cyprus Annita Demetriou visits YSU

A delegation headed by the President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, Annita Demetriou, was hosted at Yerevan State University. The president of the House of Representatives first met with YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisya, during which she was introduced to the university’s academic and research capacities. Following this, the president held an engaging discussion with the students.

Stressing the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes, Annita Demetriou remarked: "You are the future. You have to be part of and lead the decision-making process. We, in turn, are obliged to provide you with the opportunities needed to build a safer and better future. You have the power, and you need to realize that this is your era."

She went on to note: " What we see today is an agenda marked by wars and disputes. Social media is rife with a toxic environment that benefits no one. In light of all this, the question arises: where can we invest? The answer is in education. It is the most powerful tool to change the world for the better."

Annita Demetriou highlighted that this very conviction was the reason behind her delegation’s visit to YSU.

She also noted the importance of investing in the development of strong relations with countries that uphold the same principles: "We don't believe in small and big countries. We believe in the right, justice and legality," she stated.

Following her speech, Annita Demetriou answered a range of questions from students, covering both political and educational topics. At the conclusion of the discussion, she posed a question to the students: "If you had the opportunity to serve as the president of your country for one day, what law would you enact?"

In response, several students proposed initiatives aimed at improving the education sector and fostering the development of a more advanced society.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, in his remarks, underscored the importance of academic exchange programs, noting that the university organizes visits for both students and faculty members to universities abroad—whether for continuing education, participation in international conferences, or delivering lectures.

In this context, the rector referred to the ongoing visa liberalization dialogue between Armenia and the European Union, stressing the significance of establishing a visa-free regime with Cyprus.

Annita Demetriou, in highlighting the continued development of diplomatic relations between the two countries, affirmed that Cyprus is actively engaged in the visa liberalization process. She expressed confidence that, thanks to the presence of the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Armenia, this matter would be resolved more swiftly.