In her welcome say, Maiia Nikolaieva mentioned the long history of close cultural, economic and scientific ties that unite Odesa and France. The history of our city, as well as the history of the Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, is impossible to imagine without the influence of outstanding representatives of the French people. And the visit of the newly appointed envoy of France to Ukraine, Mr. Veyssière, is another proof of the great importance that both sides attach to the further development of the partnership between our countries, and the role that our University plays in this partnership. Mr. Ambassador Gaël Veyssière showed great admiration for the University's efforts to continue student education, scientific research and international cooperation in current wartime conditions. Paying tribute to the contribution of ONU to the development of Ukrainian-French cooperation, Mr. Ambassador said that the University traditionally acts as a centre of French culture in Southern Ukraine, a centre of attraction for everyone who wants to learn the language, the literature, and the art of France. The recent visit of ONU students to Vichy as part of the internship program with the assistance of the embassy is an example of its commitment to promote the strengthening of international mobility between Ukraine and France. The war does not allow to fully realize the existing potential, but the French Embassy notes the high interest of French universities in establishing ties with Ukrainian partners. Representatives of the faculty of Romance and Germanic philology Nina Kravchenko, Malvina Marinashvili and Marianna Knyazyan shared the achievements of the French Philology department and plans for the future. Together with Olivier Jacot, they discussed the possibilities of extending the formats of further cooperation and perspective directions of cooperation. Yurii Hrinchenko, head of the international relations department, outlined a range of problematic issues, including in the implementation of the Erasmus+ program, but confirmed the readiness of the University to deepen relations with French partners, including in the form of the implementation of the double diploma program. Finally, the parties came to the conclusion that they completely share the vision of problems and prospects of cooperation between Ukrainian and French universities. Ukraine chose its path to Europe, and despite armed aggression, the state provides reforms. Education and science are the spheres where the European future of our country is being formed, and the French Embassy in Ukraine is making every effort to contribute to this.

Oksana Vasylieva, photographer of the press service of the Faculty of Journalism, Advertising and Publishing