It is both a great privilege and an honour to hold the 40th anniversary gala dinner of the Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI) under my auspices at the Presidential Palace.

CAARI was founded in 1978 through the efforts of the US Embassy in Cyprus and the then Vassos Karageorgis, director, department of antiquities, in close co-operation with the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Since then, CAARI has assumed an extremely important role in facilitating the research of US and foreign archaeologists, cultural and historical scholars on Cyprus, in collaboration with the department of antiquities.

At the same time, affiliated with the American Schools of Oriental Research and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, CCARI offers world-class resources through its comprehensive library and its technical and logistical support facilities to visiting students and scholars, whilst it also offers fellowship opportunities for students and established senior scholars.

To this end, I wish to convey the government’s genuine appreciation to the promotion by CAARI of studies of Cypriot and Eastern Mediterranean archaeology, history and culture and related disciplines in the humanities and sciences, in line with the historic role of Cyprus as a meeting place and crossroad of civilizations.

In wishing you all a pleasant evening, I wish to convey yet again my thanks and congratulations to CAARI and I have no doubt that its future endeavours in promoting Cyprus’ rich culture heritage will further expand and flourish.