WEST UKRAINIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

 Today, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Croatia to Ukraine Anica Djamic, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia Vitalii Zapukhliak, the Deputy Head of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration Viktor Ustenko paid a working visit to West Ukrainian National University.

The delegation was welcomed by Andriy Krysovatyy (Chairman of WUNU Academic Council), Viktor Ostroverkhov (Acting Rector of WUNU), Maksym Zhyvko (Acting Director of the B.D. Havrylyshyn Education and Research Institute of International Relations), Olga Tsaryk (Director of the International Centre for Culture and Development) and Yuliia Voityshyn (Head of the International Relations Office).

During the discussion in the Rectorate Hall, the Chairman of the Academic Council Andriy Krysovatyy said: "We are pleased to welcome you at West Ukrainian National University. This is not the first time that Madam Ambassador has visited our university, and we are proud that you have come to us again with an important mission of opening the training studio "Diplomatic Residence of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Croatia". This is evidence that our plans and agreements made at the last meeting are being implemented in action."

Anica Djamic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Croatia to Ukraine, expressed her gratitude for the hospitality and said: "It is an honour for me to be at your university not only because we are opening a training studio today, but also because your university is dear to me and interesting in terms of joint projects. The last time I visited you, no one would have thought that a war would break out in your homeland. Since then, you have gone through many challenges. I want to say that you are incredibly brave and determined."

"We have just talked about the support provided by the Republic of Croatia to Ukraine and possible options for cooperation in rebuilding our country. Croatia has taken in more than 23,000 Ukrainians and continues to provide assistance. Relations between people are strengthening even in such difficult times, and economic cooperation between the two countries is deepening. People live in the present, but take decisive steps to build the future," said Vitalii Zapukhliak, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia in Ukraine.

Addressing the audience, the acting Rector of WUNU Viktor Ostroverkhov said: "Thank you for supporting Ukraine. For the future, we are ready for further cooperation between our countries. The first steps have been taken, we are currently cooperating under Erasmus programmes with Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany. We would also like our faculty and students to come to Croatia on exchange programmes, and your scientists and young people to visit us."

The guests of honour solemnly cut the ribbon to open the training studio and talked to the students of the Institute of International Relations.

Anica Djamic spoke about her path in life and the fact that she holds a Master's degree in law. Until 1994, she worked at the Institute of International and Comparative Law at the University of Zagreb. She held the position of Deputy Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of Croatia, and then became the President's Adviser on the European Union. She later decided to become a diplomat.

Addressing the young people, the Ambassador said: "Ukrainians are a freedom-loving nation who will live in a free, independent and democratic state."

The students of the International Relations, Public Communications and Regional Studies study programme asked Anica Djamic why she chose Ukraine and what she has done since the beginning of her diplomatic mission; about the prospects for cooperation in education between Ukraine and the Republic of Croatia; how Croatia helps Ukrainian citizens who are on its territory or seeking asylum; about the main priorities and tasks for the diplomatic mission in Ukraine in the near future, and other questions.

The Ambassador gave her answers freely and openly and surprised everyone with her sincerity and candour.