During the meeting, Mr. Kikilias referred to the significant contribution of shipping to the Cypriot economy, noting that it constitutes a high percentage of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He also expressed the belief that the sector will continue to be strengthened in the coming years, constituting a pillar of development and stability.
The Greek minister also pointed out the huge geostrategic role of the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing its importance as a hub for trade, energy and shipping activity.
For his part, President Christodoulides stressed that the Cypriot Government is proceeding with actions to strengthen shipping and related sectors, as well as with initiatives for the development of cruising.
The President finally underlined the importance of the “Maritime Cyprus” conference, the works of which begin today in Limassol, noting that it is an institution of international prestige for the promotion and further development of the Cypriot shipping sector.
The President of the Republic also received at the Presidential Palace, senior executives of international shipping companies, on the sidelines of the “Maritime Cyprus” conference.
During his meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Caravel Group, Dr. Harry S. Banga, who is also the Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Hong Kong, the company’s strong interest in investment activity in Cyprus was expressed. President Christodoulides thanked Dr. Banga for his continuous support to Cypriot shipping and for his contribution to the promotion of Cyprus-Asia relations.
In a separate meeting with executives of Royal Caribbean, one of the largest shipping companies worldwide, the strong cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with the American group was confirmed.
The two sides discussed the prospects for further strengthening cooperation, within the framework of the National Strategy for Cruises, which has been approved by the Council of Ministers.
