- Tuesday, October 22, 2024
On 22 October, Martin Harris, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Ukraine, arrived at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. First, he met with the Rector of the University Ruslan Biloskurskyi, where they discussed the work of higher education institutions in the conditions of war. In particular, the rector thanked for the continued support in such a difficult time and stressed the importance of friendly relations with foreign partners for social development, improving education and bringing Ukraine's victory over the enemy closer. The meeting was also attended by Vice-Rector for International Relations and Humanitarian Work Iryna Osovska, Head of the International Office Serhii Lukaniuk, Programme Coordinator of the Policy Department and Head of the Lviv Office of the British Embassy in Ukraine Svitlana Yarovska, and Deputy Head of the Press Department and Spokesperson of the British Embassy in Ukraine Oleksii Kurka.
After the conversation with the university administration, Martin Harris met with students in the Marble Hall. At the beginning of the meeting, Martin Harris shared the details of his work and outlined how the Embassy helps Ukraine. The Ambassador also mentioned that he was eager to visit the university and meet its students. Afterwards, students had the opportunity to ask questions and get the answers. The communication took place in both Ukrainian and English.
To consolidate his impressions and enjoy the moment of visiting the “Ukrainian Hogwarts”, as Martin Harris put it, he took a tour of the former Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans in Chernivtsi. The architectural ensemble, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aroused the Ambassador's great admiration.
At the end of his visit, Martin Harris noted that Chernivtsi National University is an important educational and cultural centre that plays a significant role in Ukraine's international relations. He also stressed the importance of educational programmes and exchanges that strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and British higher education institutions. Martin Harris expressed hope for the further development of partnership projects aimed at supporting students and teachers, as well as the common desire for peace and prosperity.
