Cyprus lost a citizen of the world who expanded Cyprus’ international footprint, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday on the passing of former President George Vassiliou.
Vassiliou, who was elected President in 1988, passed away late on Tuesday at the age of 94.
In a written statement President Christodoulides said that he was saddened to hear the news, pointing out that Vassiliou associated his name with the effort for Cyprus’ economic development, social progress and modernization of the state.
He furthermore said that George Vassiliou’s contribution was decisive in achieving the top strategic goal of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union, adding that until the end of his life he was dedicated to the effort for solution and reunification.
President Christodoulides also said that during Vassiliou’s term in office, policies were promoted that contributed to the extroversion of the Cyprus economy and businesses and to the establishment of Cyprus as a center of professional and administrative services.
He also said that the foundation of the University of Cyprus is one of the milestones of his tenure.
“On behalf of the state and our people, I bid him farewell with feelings of appreciation, respect and gratitude. I extend my sincere condolences to the wife, children and grandchildren of George Vassiliou,” the President said.