- Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Digital Policy and Cybersecurity
- Targeted actions with added value for the economy and society of both countries
The deepening of cooperation between Cyprus and Greece in the field of digital transformation is the focus of a two-day official visit of the Minister of State and Digital Governance Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis in Cyprus, at the invitation of the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr Kyriakos Kokkinos. The Minister of State was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Thodoris Livanios.
The main topic of the discussions was the acceleration of the digital transition, as a key pillar of recovery, growth and prosperity, as well as ensuring the sustainability and resilience of both countries in the context of an ever-changing international environment. The strong will of the two sides to broaden and deepen cooperation between them, to strengthen the critical IT and telecommunications structures of the two countries and to optimise a modern and flexible digital governance model providing quality e-services to citizens was reaffirmed.
In the framework of the visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Digital Policy and Cybersecurity was signed, at an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace, which provides, inter alia, for the exchange of good practices and know-how on specific digital transformation initiatives already being planned and/or implemented. At the same time, it promotes the creation of bilateral information exchange channels on projects of common interest, such as the development of quality digital services, the design and adoption of a holistic approach to the online presence of government agencies and the implementation of strategic e-government projects in priority areas such as health, justice and education. Finally, bilateral cooperation is established to address cybersecurity risks and threats more effectively, as well as joint participation in European and national programmes in this area.
According to Mr Kokkinos, "today we are laying the foundations for an expanded cooperation based on a shared vision, common values, mutual respect and solidarity. A cooperation that envisages a series of targeted actions with added value for the economy and society of our two countries. A cooperation that utilises and builds on the know-how, expertise, skills and achievements of both countries to date, for mutual benefit". Thanking Mr. Kokkinos stressed that "In this difficult but important undertaking, Cyprus and Greece choose to act together, joining forces to implement together a parallel programme of digital transformation, beneficial for all and focused on the citizen."
In his own intervention, Mr. Pierrakakis noted that " we are here to put our own stones in the relationship between Greece and Cyprus."[/I]
We are here to put our own stones in the relationship between Greece and Cyprus. And we are doing so by signing a Memorandum of Understanding which was established eight months ago, during Mr Kokkinos' visit to Greece and our first meeting at the Ministry of Digital Governance. Greece and Cyprus have much to teach each other regarding digital transformation. For almost three years now, Greece has been recording its own progress in digital transformation. He further added that "in the face of the challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the exchange of good practices helps us all to become better. So we are here today to openly discuss how reforms that have improved the daily lives of citizens have been designed and implemented. It is a historic imperative for Greece and Cyprus to cooperate closely and effectively and today with the Memorandum we are signing we are making a start."
For his part, Mr. Livanios said that " the digital reality requires partnerships, convergence and continuous adaptation to developments. Our cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus has significant bilateral benefits but also contributes to the continuous joint upgrading of our countries on the international technological map."
Prior to the ceremony, Mr.Pierrakakis and Mr.Livanios had a private meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. In the framework of their visit, they will meet, among others, with the Speaker of the Parliament Mrs. Anita Demetriou, the Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II and the Mayor of Nicosia Mr. Constantinos Yiorkatzis.
(MGS/EXP)
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