Nicosia: Food security, climate change, and environmental protection have been highlighted as top priorities by the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Environment, Christos Senekis. The minister also emphasized the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of the primary sector and supporting rural communities as long-term goals for his ministry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture, Senekis expressed his gratitude to outgoing Minister Maria Panayiotou for her contributions. He acknowledged the ministry's role in addressing critical challenges and pledged to continue building on the legacy left by Panayiotou. Senekis emphasized the need for consistency, transparency, and determination in tackling issues related to food security, climate change, and environmental protection. He stressed the importance of meaningful dialogue with various stakeholders, including farmers, environmental organizations, and local authorities, to find the best solutions for these pressing issues.
On her part, outgoing Minister Maria Panayiotou reflected on her tenure, highlighting her voluntary departure and achievements in areas like water policy, agriculture, and waste management. She mentioned the challenges faced during her term, including issues with firefighting aircraft and waste management, and how they were addressed with perseverance and concrete actions. Panayiotou also discussed the significant progress made in water policy, forest management, and the primary sector, noting that many longstanding problems were tackled and resolved during her 30-month tenure.