The Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mrs. Natasa Pilides expressed happiness to take part in the 32nd session of the Executive Council of Transport Ministers of Arab League (AL) countries.
Addressing the session, Pilides said, “I am especially glad to be here because Cyprus, a member state of the European Union, enjoys a strong and fruitful collaboration with the countries of the Arab League, based on trust and common understanding regarding the interests, as well as the challenges facing our region.”
“Our common position on a number of issues that the broader region faces, maintain and further enhance our historically close and friendly relations,” she added.
“Shipping is an industry which makes a huge contribution to global cooperation, communication, to the enhancement of our standard of living, and very importantly, acts as the connector between many different and faraway parts of the world,” the minister noted, stressing that shipping sector in Cyprus has enjoyed continuous growth in the last three decades.
“The establishment of the Shipping Deputy Ministry on 1st of March 2018, after unanimous approval by parliament demonstrates the political support and commitment of Cyprus to the shipping sector,” she stressed.
“Since becoming a Member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1973, Cyprus has played a positive and constructive role in the Organization’s endeavors to achieve the objectives of maritime safety and environmental protection and to improve the living and working conditions of our seafarers,” Pilides added. “Cyprus will continue to strive towards the accomplishment of the strategic objectives of the IMO.”
Concerning the Cyprus-EU relationship, the minister affirmed that Cyprus is working closely with the European Commission and the other EU member states to maintain and further develop a framework for competitive yet safe and sustainable shipping while ensuring a level global playing field.
Noteworthy, the session's activities kicked off earlier today at Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Abu Qir, Alexandria, under the chairmanship of Egypt's transport minister Kamel Al-Wazir.
The meeting was attended by 6 Arab ministers and 15 delegations from different Arab transport ministries.
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