Cyprus chosen to host American University of Beirut campus

Cyprus bested 15 other countries as the most suitable to host the American University of Beirut’s first overseas campus, the president of the world-renowned institution said, reports The Associated Press. It’s part of the university’s expansion plan that was initiated in 2018 but was expedited following the catastrophic Beirut port explosion in August 2020.

President Fadlo R Khuri told The Associated Press in an emailed statement last Wednesday, 14 June, that Cyprus came out on top because of a string of comparative advantages including European Union membership, a high degree of academic freedom, political and economic stability and close proximity to Lebanon.

Khuri was on hand last week in Cyprus’ southeastern coastal town of Paphos for a foundation stone-laying ceremony of the 158-year-old university’s twin campus that will be called American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo. Khuri said the university’s westward expansion was less about Lebanon’s deeply rooted instability that threatens the country with collapse and more with its vision to extend the institution’s outreach to the “many who desire the unique educational experience”.
Full report on the AP site