President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides stressed Tuesday the need for the EU to have a Commissioner responsible for Shipping issues. In statements to journalists on the sidelines of the 34th Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, President Christodoulides praised the work of the actors in the shipping industry, saying that the sector is the most productive industry in Cyprus. According to a press release by the Presidency, the President said that “within the framework of cooperation and after relevant consultation we will very soon submit to the European Commission a request in writing to examine the possibility of having a Commissioner responsible for Shipping issues”. “Taking into account the current international environment, it is particularly important that the EU understands the importance of shipping, the geopolitical dimension of shipping,” he said. The President noted that he has discussed this issue with the Greek Government, stressing that Greece and Cyprus should work in the EU so that the Union realises the importance of European shipping and referred to the need of a Commissioner for shipping. Meanwhile, invited to comment on a report of the European Parliament in which there are references to Cyprus, the President said that the government will study the recommendations and act accordingly, always within the framework of legality. “Because this matter is related to the international image of the Republic of Cyprus and indirectly with the issue following the US and UK sanctions against Cypriots for matters related to the violation of sanctions, we will approach it with the same seriousness” President Christodoulides stressed “we will do everything possible in all areas in order to preserve the name of our country which at the international level is directly linked with the efforts we make to attract more investments, to strengthen economic activity that will lead to more quality jobs. So, yes, we will approach it with due seriousness”.
Source: Cyprus News Agency