The general meeting was addressed by the shipping deputy minister, Vassilios Demetriades, on behalf of the president of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, the president of the house of representatives, Annita Demetriou and by the president of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Themis Papadopoulos.

 On behalf of the president of the Republic, Demetriades conveyed the government’s sincere gratitude to all the Cyprus Shipping Chamber Members for their ongoing ‘vote of confidence’, provided in practice by the physical presence of shipping companies in Cyprus, their significant contribution and strong support in Cyprus economy. He also stated that the Government stands ready to offer any assistance deemed necessary in order to facilitate the shipping industry and safeguard a sustainable future for shipping.

 Demetriou praised the CSC for its invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Cyprus economy and society and expressed the House’s commitment to keep supporting the Cyprus Shipping sector, for it to continue its successful course.

 Papadopoulos made particular reference that in the aftermath of a prolonged period of disrupted operations, the Cyprus Shipping Industry remained resilient and continued to offer, despite the significant difficulties, its vital to humanity services. He also emphasised the need to create a ‘One-Stop-Shipping-Centre’ at the Shipping Deputy Ministry, which will be a driving force to upgrade even more the image of Cyprus as a modern, quality and sustainable maritime centre. He also referred to the serious efforts of the Cyprus shipping industry to meet the important goals set for the decarbonisation of Shipping in an effective and safe way, as well as the need to lift the Turkish embargo on Cyprus ships.