The “Friendship Award of China” to our former Rector, Prof. K. Gouliamos
Professor and former Rector of European University Cyprus, Kostas Gouliamos, was awarded the “Friendship Award,” which is the highest honorary distinction given by the People’s Republic of China to distinguished foreign academics and experts.
President Xi and the Chinese government reward foreigners from the fields of letters, arts, sciences, and economics in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the cultural, educational, and socio-economic progress of China.
The award ceremony took place in the Great Hall of the “People’s Palace,” presented by Shen Yiqin, State Councelor of the Chinese State Council, and was attended by several members of the Council. Additionally, all award recipients received a personal invitation from the President of China to an official dinner following the ceremony at the “People’s Palace,” on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Regarding his award, Professor Kostas Gouliamos stated: “The ‘Friendship Award’ is the highest honor. I feel deeply moved by this recognition from China. China is great country, with a vast history, and one of the most ancient and significant civilizations in the world. We only need to consider how two great civilizations and schools of thought, the Greek and the Chinese, ‘meet’ when, for example, we study the concept of harmony in the Pre-Socratics, particularly Heraclitus, and in Confucianism or Taoism. This award reflects not only my own contribution but also the dedication of all those colleagues in Greece and Cyprus who have, in their own way, contributed to the promotion of intercultural cooperation and interdisciplinary exchange with China.”
It is noted that the “Friendship Award” has been given to scientists, writers, intellectuals, and artists, as well as Nobel laureates. The award’s history began in 1950, under then-Prime Minister Zhou Enlai, and to date, more than 1,900 scientists and politicians from 80 countries have received it. It is worth mentioning that this highest honor is being awarded for the first time to a Greek or Cypriot academic intellectual.
