Tel Aviv University and the Cyprus Institute, which collaborates with world leaders in science and technology, have signed a special academic cooperation agreement.

Prof. Costas Papanicolas, president of the Cyprus Institute, said the “regional partnerships with institutions of high international standing such as Tel-Aviv University are outstanding assets for enhancing the role of our Institute on the international scientific scene and fostering the role of Cyprus as a gateway between Europe and the Middle-East for research, education and the knowledge economy.”

In March, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias stopped over in Israel to officially secure the academic agreement as well as to supervise over three other contract signings. Those include a Memorandum of Understanding between the Cyprus Stock Exchange and the Stock Exchange of Tel Aviv, a Protocol of Consultations for the Co-operation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs and an Agreement of Co-operation in Postal Services.

In the second half of 2012, Christofias will serve as the rotating President of the European Union on behalf of Cyprus. He told a press conference that he is committed to strengthen relations between Israel and the European Union under the Presidency of Cyprus.

“We are ready to contribute within the framework of the European Union to the peace process in the region. Consider us as a bridge to advancing the peace process, and economic and diplomatic cooperation with Europe,” he said.