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It is with great pleasure that I participate in tonight's 60th anniversary event of the Cyprus Register of Shipping.
The history of the Cyprus Register of Shipping over the years is truly impressive and highly commendable. The upward trajectory it has followed, facing various and multi-level challenges from time to time - some of which continue to this day - makes us justifiably proud of the position the Cypriot fleet occupies in the world today.
The targeted actions of the State, of all governments - and I, in turn, would like to acknowledge that all governments have paid particular attention to the maritime sector, with the decisive decision taken to establish the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, something that should have been done much earlier - yours, your admirable business skills, but above all our cooperation and joint initiatives have produced results that allow us to be nationally proud of Cyprus, which today is a global maritime powerhouse and has a thoroughly modern, high quality and integrated maritime complex.
Shipping is one of the most important pillars that over time have contributed decisively to the development of our economy. The domestic shipping industry is stronger today than ever before, demonstrating in practice its confidence in the Cyprus Register of Shipping, the wider maritime sector and the Cyprus economy in general. Attracting foreign investment to our island through shipping is a primary objective for the State - there are many other services beyond [REGISTRATION TO THE CYPRIOT] flag that are crucial. There are many other services similar to shipping that we can bring to our country and it is an area in which we are working systematically, as part of the support that the Government is giving to this sector.
In the nine months that I have been in the Presidency of the Republic, most of the events that I have attended, either in Cyprus or abroad, have been related to shipping.
In these nine months that I have been in the Presidency of the Republic, most of the events that I have attended, either in Cyprus or abroad, have been related to shipping. I am particularly proud of Cypriot shipping and this is reflected precisely in the importance that I personally and the Government as a whole attach to this sector. And I want to take the opportunity of my presence here tonight to assure you that this support will not only continue, but will be further strengthened with concrete actions as a result of the ongoing dialogue with you. And I must say that the many times I have had the opportunity to discuss with you, your suggestions are the ones that are adopted by the State, so that we can go one step further. I hope that your example, the cooperation that exists between the Government and the maritime business community, will be followed in other areas, because you clearly know the market you are dealing with better than we do. So we too have an obligation to follow your suggestions, your recommendations in many cases. Let me remind you that I recently addressed the President of the European Commission at your suggestion, highlighting the importance of shipping for the European Union (EU) in the first place, taking into account what has happened with the Corfu and geopolitical developments. An importance that unfortunately - and it has to be said - is not recognised at EU level and the geopolitical dimension should be highlighted. This is what I did in my letter taking into account international developments and the need for the EU [TO ACT] either at Commissioner level, with the new Commission that will take over in 2024, or with a new Commissioner for maritime affairs, or with a Vice-President of the Commission who will deal horizontally with the issue of shipping. It is something we will pursue, and I have discussed it with the Greek Prime Minister, who shares this approach.
The Cypriot flag flying around the world is a source of pride - you understand the importance for a state under occupation, a state that has to face so many challenges. Like the water of the sea that moves incessantly, our shipping remains in constant motion and evolution. Action, constant consultation, addressing the constant challenges, adapting and seizing any opportunities are necessary conditions to ensure a sustainable future for the Cyprus registry and our shipping industry in general. This is why the Government is not resting on the very positive results we have achieved through our action in the shipping sector.
Ladies and gentlemen, shipping partners, we are well aware of the challenges arising from the ever-changing international environment, with the effort for a green transition - another area that affects you decisively - but also the intense competition we have to face. We are all together in this effort and it is precisely in this context that the Council of Ministers decided about 15 days ago to establish two advisory committees that will work - we are now institutionalising our cooperation - on a systematic basis with the Deputy Ministry and the Deputy Minister of Shipping, so that through a continuous and institutionalised dialogue we can further strengthen our cooperation towards achieving the common goal of enhancing the competitiveness of the Cypriot flag and the maritime cluster.
I am aware of the problem that exists with the Turkish government's decision since 1987 - not on the eve of the Turkish invasion - whereby ships flying the Cypriot flag have been banned from calling at Turkish ports. This is an issue that we are discussing with the EU, which, in the context of a different approach, a willingness on the part of the Republic of Cyprus to substantially strengthen Euro-Turkish relations - something that the Turkish Government is also seeking - we are also raising, so that a mutually beneficial state of affairs can be created through developments and trust can be gained between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey, which will gradually lead to the achievement of our number one objective, which is none other than the end of the occupation of Cyprus and Turkey. The achievements of the past 60 years are the starting point for our future successes, the achievement of which is a big gamble both for me personally and for the Government.
(PM/EP/EATH/MS/AF)
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