Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriacos Kokkinos, paid an official working visit to Saudi Arabia between 5-8 June focusing on expanding the cooperation between the two countries.
According to a Deputy Ministry press release, the Deputy Minister was also accompanied by a business mission co-organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cyprus – Saudi Arabia Business Association.
During his visit, Kokkinos held a private meeting with his counterpart, Minister of Information Technologies and Communications, Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawaha and was received by the governors of the Digital Governance Authority of the National Cyber Security Authority and the Communications and Information Technologies Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He also visited the national research center King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and met with the leadership of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the company Arabsat, one of the top sattelite services companies in the world, which has invested millions in Cyprus through Hellas Sat.
The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation in a wide range of areas, including digital governance, telecommunications and space, as well as the role that both countries can play in promoting the region as a hub of technology, science, innovation and data as well as addressing common challenges.
The press release says that in the coming months a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed in the field of cyber security. In addition, it is noted that a joint aim is Cyprus’ accession to the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) which is an initiative of Saudi Arabia for international cooperation on digital economy and society.
Moreover, it adds, they agreed to promote cooperation in research and innovation and in particular in biogenetics, biomedicine and advanced technologies, such as space applications, artificial intelligence and blockchain, through a Memorandum, which will promote participation in joint research projects, exchange of expertise and know-how as well as exchange programs of representatives from the academic and research community.
The Deputy Minister also participated in a business forum held in Riyadh and in separate meetings with the leadership of the Chambers of Commerce and Business in Jeddah and Riyadh, where he outlined the strategic advantages of Cyprus as an international business center providing access to European and other developed markets.
He also referred to the government’s new strategy for attracting investments, highlighting the support that Cyprus provides to companies through the “Company Facility Unit” operating in the Ministry of Commerce, as well as on the strong commitment of the state to improve the business environment, through targeted reforms and incentives, such as the Digital Nomad Visa and the new Cyprus Startup Visa.
Source: Cyprus News Agency