On 30th Sept. 2024, Prof. Kostas Gouliamos attended the Chinese Government Friendship Award Ceremony for the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,State Councilor Chen Yiqin presented the award to the winning foreign experts and delivered a speech during the event.

Prof. Kostas Gouliamos, an Emeritus and Visiting Professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS) and former Rector of the European University Cyprus, was honored with the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award by the State Council. Following the ceremony, he was invited to attend a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Commenting on the award, Prof. Gouliamos said, "The Friendship Award is the highest honor. I am deeply touched by this recognition from China. China is a great country with a long history and one of the oldest and greatest civilizations in the world."

Since 1980, Prof. Gouliamos has authored numerous monographs and essays on media, culture, science and technology, politics, and communication. These works have been translated into several languages and some are listed in the International Bibliography of Social Sciences of the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

Professor Gouliamos has made significant contributions to the friendly relations between China and Europe. He is the first international friend from Greece and Cyprus to receive this prestigious award. "I have traveled to many countries and talked to many people," Prof. Gouliamos mentioned. "I found that China is one of the most tolerant and open countries in the world. I must reiterate one crucial thing – I love and respect China and its people."

Prof. Gouliamos's journey with China spans various fields. He has not only established strong academic and research ties with China but has also deeply studied the country's culture and social life, offering unique insights.

Taking the opportunity of winning the Chinese Government Friendship Award, Prof. Gouliamos highly praised the efforts and contributions of YGL He noted that YGL has played a significant role in promoting academic exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations. In response, YGL vowed to continue making every effort to facilitate exchanges and cooperation between China and Greece.