Nicosia: Enhancing cooperation between Cyprus and France in the sectors of marine and maritime security, space technologies, cybersecurity, disaster and risk management was the main focus of the Cyprus-France Innovation and Cooperation Forum, organised on Thursday in Nicosia by the French Embassy in Cyprus and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, CCCI Secretary General, Philokypros Roussounides, highlighted the natural synergy shared by Cyprus and France in innovation, with a focus on maritime technologies, cybersecurity, spatial innovation, earth observation, and disaster and risk management. He emphasized the tangible impact of their partnership, citing the EONIOS programme as a flagship project in French-Cypriot cooperation.
Roussounides also mentioned the collaboration between Cypriot and French companies in the defence and security innovation sector, leading to joint participation in European development programmes, shared technology development, and coordinated R and D efforts. He acknowledged the Cyprus-French Business Association’s role in building bridges between the business communities of both nations.
The French Ambassador to Cyprus, Cl©lia Chevrier Kolacko, spoke on the importance of maritime domain awareness and the protection of critical infrastructures, urging the need for developing European space-based intelligence and expertise. She also stressed the significance of cybersecurity collaboration between the two nations to enhance European sovereignty.
Ambassador Kolacko further addressed the recurring natural disasters faced by both countries, highlighting the need for innovative solutions for better preparedness, modernizing early warning systems, and strengthening aerial firefighting capabilities. She emphasized that cooperation between France and Cyprus can lead to significant advancements in various sectors, as demonstrated by the EONIOS Consortium.
Dr Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, discussed the transformation of Cyprus’s research and innovation ecosystem, highlighting its rising global recognition. He stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships with nations like France to drive Cyprus’s economic and scientific future.
Invest Cyprus CEO, Marios Tannousis, focused on foreign direct investment in space and defence, discussing Cyprus’s accession to the Artemis Accords and the growing global importance of the space economy. He highlighted the role of defence and security investments in fostering economic growth and technological innovation.
Dr Panagiotis Hadjipavlis, Director of General Procurements and Defence Capabilities Development at the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with France in research, innovation, capability development, and defence. He highlighted the potential for joint research projects and industrial partnerships to advance Europe’s technological sovereignty.
The forum underscored the shared vision of Cyprus and France to collaborate on innovation, technological advancement, and strategic interests, contributing to regional stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean region.