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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I am in Larnaca today to inaugurate two of the many remarkable projects that have been implemented in recent years in Larnaca Municipality. The creation of the "Mesogeos" artists' park in the Turkish Cypriot district of Skala and the restoration and improvement of the facades in Piale Pasia Street come to complement the wider planning of projects for the regeneration, renovation and upgrading of the historical centre and the city of Larnaca in general.
It is a fact that in recent years Larnaca has changed its appearance and has been transformed, on the one hand, into a modern city of today's Cyprus, adapted to the demands and needs of modern socio-economic and business challenges, and on the other hand, into a picturesque city with public spaces that harmoniously combine functionality and aesthetics. Changes that promote culture, serve social needs and respect and enhance the natural environment. Larnaca, we have to be honest, although neglected for many years, has now, with the contribution of all the organised groups of the city working together, well and truly entered the forefront of competitiveness and has become an attractive, enticing and welcoming destination for its visitors and a modern, environmentally friendly and opportunity-filled place for its residents.
The two projects we are inaugurating today contribute greatly, not only to the beautification of the area, with respect for its sensitive history and traditional character, but also to its tourist enhancement. Both Piale Passia Street and the Artists' Park, due to their location and their new façade and configuration, will be an attraction not only for the residents of the area, but also for local and foreign visitors. At the same time, the "MESOΓEIOΣ" Artists' Park will give a new cultural breath to the area and the Municipality of Larnaca, since it will provide another space for artists, especially young artists -this is an area where both the State and the Municipalities are lagging behind to a considerable extent- to exhibit their creations and organize performances of various interests.
'As I said, it is important, and I want to emphasize this, I experienced it during the election campaign, especially here in Larnaca, what we are launching today is the result of coordinated and organized efforts of all the stakeholders of the city. Undoubtedly, these two costly and remarkable projects, which were co-financed by the European Union and by the Republic of Cyprus through the 'THALASSA' Operational Programme and the Local Development Strategy for Fishing Areas of the Larnaca and Famagusta Development Company, demonstrate that through the cooperation of the State, Local Government and the Private Sector we can achieve significant results that contribute to the transformation and cultural, historical, social and economic revitalization of Larnaca.
In this context, I would like to reiterate once again our readiness, as I expressed in writing, to support the creation of the University School of CUT in Larnaca, a project which is a collaboration with the Municipality of Larnaca. We are at the final stage. Of the three stages, two have been completed. A project that will contribute significantly to the local economy, will complement something that is lacking in the city and district of Larnaca and is something that I assure you I am personally following myself.
Speaking of Universities, I would like to mention that there is strong interest, which we welcome, from Greek Universities to operate in Cyprus. We are in consultations with some of them - I would not like to mention publicly at this moment because we are in the final details - and some of them have expressed interest to operate in Larnaca, but we will see how the discussions develop and we will proceed with the relevant announcements.
Our Government from the very first moment has set among its main objectives, always focusing on the "man", the Cypriot Citizen of today and tomorrow, always including, because we have to give the importance it deserves for what I mentioned earlier, the new generation of our country.
And this implies joining forces and efforts to upgrade the quality of life of the citizen at all levels and in all its aspects. As a State, we promote, support and seek cooperation between institutions, services, the Public Service, Local Government and public and private bodies for a better tomorrow and a more integrated result, for the benefit of the Cypriot Citizen and our society. It is for this very reason that I am here today. We welcome such initiatives and actions, especially when they come from the Local Government, because they show the seriousness of the work, but also the intention and the need for collegiality and broadening the scope of the stakeholders and supporters of every project undertaken, such as the projects we are inaugurating today and delivering to the people of Larnaca, and beyond.
In this context, the reform of Local Government is a very important reform. Today we are on the verge of implementing the Local Government Reform, a big bet that we have to work to win. The ultimate goal is the administrative autonomy and financial sustainability of the new Local Authorities, while at the same time, following the example of other European Member States, expanding their competences so that they can offer more and better quality services to the citizen. Our goal is to improve the daily life of citizens and with this in mind the Government, the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the Union of Municipalities and the Union of Communities, have worked tirelessly in this direction. Rest assured that there will be problems and difficulties. Every major reform comes with problems and difficulties, but I am confident that through cooperation we will address any challenges that arise.
Through reform, the groundwork is also being laid for the implementation of actions that will lead to the achievement of priorities and objectives of our Governance Programme, such as, for example, the green transition and digital transformation.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that as a State, we not only congratulate and support such efforts and initiatives, but we are proud of partnerships and synergies, which first and foremost demonstrate the dynamics and effectiveness of co-creation, but also upgrade - this is the main objective - modernize and improve the standard of living of every Cypriot citizen.
(PM/NG/EATH)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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