The portfolio of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment was taken over today, 1 March 2023, by the new Minister Mr. During a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
During the handover ceremony, the Director General of the Ministry, Mr. Petros Xenophontos, took over from the outgoing Minister, Mr. Kadis. Andreas A. Grigoriou, addressing the outgoing Minister, referred to the substantial and multifaceted work he has produced during his tenure in a Ministry with development orientation and critical management issues, such as environmental protection, management of natural resources, protection and welfare of animals and the development of the primary sector of our country. "The best words are actions. Your deeds and actions during the five years speak louder than our words," said Mr. Gregoriou, thanking Mr. Kadis from the bottom of his heart for the excellent cooperation, which resulted in addressing complex problems facing the agricultural world, strengthening the sector on several levels and under difficult conditions and "despite the consequences of the health crisis, climate change and the energy crisis, which farmers were and still are called upon to manage, especially from the increase in the price of agricultural products and services. But also with reforms that address chronic problems and modernise the agricultural sector, supporting Cypriot farmers."
Continuing, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment said that in recent years, with hard work and with the development of the primary sector and the wider economy in mind, a very important work has been produced, with the cooperation of all the staff of the Ministry.
Addressing the new Minister, Mr. Gregoriou, after welcoming him and congratulating him on his appointment, assured that both he and the staff of the Ministry will continue to work with the same zeal, dedication and responsibility, supporting the work of the Minister and the Christodoulides Government. "I want to assure you that all our actions will be based on legality and good administration, for the benefit of the people and our country. Rest assured that you are taking over a Ministry, which has excellent scientists and highly competent executives and staff, who, with willingness, tireless work, professionalism and responsibility, will be by your side to support your work. In the great journey to Ithaca we will be companions to face together the Lystrygones and Cyclopes that we will meet before us, with our weapons the honesty, the readiness, the diligence, the perseverance, the patience and the perspicacity of Odysseus", said Mr.
In his turn, the outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, moved, referred to the work achieved in recent years. Despite the adversities, with diligence and patience, it has been possible to address the major challenges and crises facing the primary sector. "We have promoted important reforms and implemented new policies, and implemented vital projects in the wide range of sectors covered by our Ministry. It is indicative of the fact that issues that have been open for decades and have been of concern to the primary sector and society at large have been addressed," Kadis said. Listing some of the chapters that were promoted, he noted the registration of halalumi, the Local Plan of Akamas, the actions for animals and the agricultural sector.
Addressing the new Minister, Kadis expressed the assessment that the issues of the Ministry will be increasingly highlighted in the coming period, since they concern all citizens and are high on the priorities of the European Union. "Issues such as the production of sufficient and healthy food with practices that respect the environment, waste management based on the principles of the circular economy, the reduction and treatment of pollution, the rational management of water resources in view of climate change, the conservation of biodiversity and the protection and welfare of animals are directly linked to the quality of life of citizens, but also to the moral obligations we have towards the environment and every form of life", Mr.
Finally, the outgoing Minister thanked the former President of the Republic for the trust and support shown to him throughout his term of office. He particularly thanked the Director General and the staff of the Ministry for their help and cooperation, as well as his family for their support.
On behalf of the agricultural organisations, Mr Lambros Achilleos thanked the outgoing Minister for the excellent cooperation and for the determination and vision he showed during his term of office, which resulted in the upgrading of the agricultural sector of our country. He also conveyed on behalf of all agricultural organizations their readiness to continue their cooperation with the new Minister for the benefit of society.
For his part, the new Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment thanked Mr. Kadis for the work he leaves behind. "I am taking over the Ministry from a deserving Minister who has set the bar high. We will continue implementing the work of President Christodoulides based on the contract he signed with the people. Sustainable development, green development, the Haloumi dossier, the Local Plan for Akamas and so many other issues are challenges of our time," Xenophontos said.
Addressing the staff of the Ministry, he called them the engine of the Ministry, and urged them to continue to work with the same responsibility to realize the goals of President Christodoulides. "Our cooperation with all organizations is a given, aiming at the farmer, the citizen and the human being," Xenophontos concluded.
(MKY/MG/SX)
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