In his welcoming word, Vyacheslav Truba spoke about the long and fruitful cooperation of our university with Greek partners, which began from the day the university was founded. Greek history, Greek culture, scientific achievements of Greece have shaped modern science, and Odesa University has joined the study of the heritage of Greek civilization in the Northern Black Sea Region. The efforts of two faculties – the Faculty Romance and Germanic Philology and the Faculty of International Relations, Political Science and Sociology provide the opportunity for ONU students to study Modern Greek as a foreign language.

Before the war, ONU scientists and teachers visited Greek institutions regularly, and vice versa - colleagues from Greece came to Odesa. Today, academic mobility agreements have been signed with three Greek universities within the framework of the ERASMUS+ program, under which regular trips of teachers and students for study, internships or teaching take place.

In his return greetings, the Consul General emphasized that he was glad to begin his term in Odesa with a visit to ONU. For Greece, Odesa holds a special place on the map of Ukraine due to our strong historical ties. Odesa played a significant role in the Greek liberation movement, which led to the declaration of its independence. Mr.  Christos V. Zacharopoulosnoted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece is developing programs to support the study of the Greek language and culture despite the years of difficult economic situation, and considers ONU as one of the priority institutions for the development and expansion of Greek studies in Ukraine, and in Europe in general. At the end of the meeting,  Mr.  Christos V. Zacharopoulos assured that the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Ukraine will make every effort to support initiatives to develop scientific and educational partnership between ONU and Greek partners. In turn, Rector Vyacheslav Truba congratulated the Consul General on the upcoming Greek Independence Day, which is celebrated on March 25, and wished prosperity and peace to the Greek people.
Photos by O. Bailo and V. Gaidulian