The visit of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Chile, Vitalii TSYMBALIUK, to the Puerto Montt Campus of Los Lagos University turned into a cordial and relaxed occasion. The diplomat was accompanied by Vice Rector Anita Dörner Paris; Paola Alvarado, Academic Director of the Puerto Montt Campus; Edgardo González, Deputy Director of Outreach (VCM) and Juan Carlos Gallardo, also a VCM professional.

More than protocol, the visit was transformed into a pleasant journey through the history and current affairs of Ukraine, thanks to the account given by the ambassador of the country distant 14 thousand kilometers from Chile. “As a country we started a diplomatic mission in 2017, but currently it has embassy status. We wanted to strengthen the link with Chile in terms of dialogue, free trade agreements and bilateral cooperation, because we appreciate that this country has supported our principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We consider that it is also important to develop collaboration with the regions, to work in the regions, to have interpersonal contacts with their people”, the diplomat commented.

EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION

In the educational sphere, Vitalii TSYMBALIUK emphasized that his country considers educational work as a main engine of development for its population. “In Ukraine the most prestigious universities are public, free of charge and you enter on merit. Some of them are more than 300 years old. At the level of international cooperation there are programs in Spanish, scholarships, exchange between students and professors in different disciplines, in the area of postgraduate studies. We are ready to promote contacts through agreements and scholarships between both countries”, said TSYMBALIUK.

In this line, the Vice Rector of the Puerto Montt Campus, Anita Dörner París, expressed her satisfaction for the establishment of a first institutional approach with the Ukrainian country, in the person of its ambassador. “As a state and regional university, we are interested in establishing these contacts and inviting representatives from other countries that are strong in the educational field, so that they can get to know us and promote educational exchange, but also cultural exchange”, emphasized the university authority.

Consistent with the above, during the day, Edgardo González, as representative of Linking with the Environment at the Puerto Montt Campus, made a presentation, where he detailed to the ambassador the characteristics and constitution of the ULagos, as well as its strategic project for 2030. There was also an opportunity to establish cultural links through telematic contact with Sergio Trabucco, in his role as Deputy Director of Art, Culture and Heritage of Los Lagos University.