Greetings

Rector of Aristotle University

Nikolaos G. Papaioannou Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Since the time when humans first expressed their curiosity about the environment and themselves, and as they became aware of their mortal ignorance, two pillars of philosophical thought have shaped the world: Greek and Chinese philosophy. Through the two great philosophers, Aristotle and Confucius, whose names continue to honor our academic and national traditions, our two countries continue to influence the world in all its aspects.

In our modern era of information and post-modernism, it is of utmost importance to understand that individuals, nations, and companies constitute a unified living organism connected by interdependence. Therefore, progress and prosperity can only be achieved through the collaboration of fields such as science, business, humanities, technology, human ethics, and culture.

The Confucius Institute at AUTh will advance these goals through the development of certified Chinese language programs for students and citizens in Greece, the organization of cultural, philosophical, artistic, and other activities that will highlight the excellent bilateral relations between Greece and China. Important objectives also include student and academic staff exchange programs between our universities, as well as the promotion of trade partnerships between Greece and China, particularly in cutting-edge areas.

The establishment of the Confucius Institute at AUTh is a milestone for a long-term collaboration that will benefit both of our countries. We wish you a successful celebration of your 70th anniversary and extend our best wishes for continued intellectual strength in contributing to a better future for China, Greece, and the world.

Director of the Confucius Institute at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Roula Tsokalidou Associate Professor, Τ.Ε.Π.Α.Ε.

We are delighted to congratulate the 70th anniversary of SISU, an internationally recognized academic institution with multiple specialties, dedicated to excellence and the preparation of professionals with international experience, capable of addressing the critical challenges of our times. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki takes pride in collaborating with SISU to establish the new Confucius Institute (CI) at AUTh. Our goal is to provide a new academic "home" for promoting the Chinese language and culture, as well as creating a new hub for research and innovative ideas that will further enhance the cooperation between our two institutions for the benefit of students, academics, and citizens at large. We are commencing our work at the CI, and we are very pleased that this new beginning coincides with a significant anniversary for SISU! We wish you many successes in the years to come and promise to stand by your side!