A new era in the relations between Cyprus and Greece in the field of digital transformation begins as of today, said Kyriacos Kokkinos, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy on Wednesday after the signing of a memorandum of Understanding in the field of Digital Policy and Cybersecurity with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of Digital Governance.

Digital transition is one of the biggest challenges which governments and organisations face worldwide, he said, noting that it is high on the agenda of the governments of Nicos Anastasiades and Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Kokkinos said both countries embarked on this long journey in response to the growing technological challenges and demands created by the pandemic over the last two years. At the same time, they are promoting reforms and innovative solutions that require the upgrading of infrastructure for connectivity, promoting e-government, enhancing citizens’ digital skills and supporting the digital transformation of companies.

As a result, said Kokkinos, Cyprus improved its rank on the EU’s DESİ index (Digital Economy and Society Index which summarises indicators on Europe's digital performance and tracks the progress of EU countries).

An example of the cooperation of the two countries, said Kokkinos, is the inauguration on Thursday of the MyGovLive service which introduces online information and services to citizens via teleconference following appointments at the Citizens Service Centres.

In Cyprus, the service will only be available for the purpose of identification of citizens which was a necessary condition for access to a wide range of online services of the Republic of Cyprus.

He thanked the Greek Minister and all those involved in setting up the service.

On his part, Pierrakakis said the memorandum of understanding started eight months ago during Kokkinos’ visit to Greece and that both countries have a lot to teach one another regarding digital transformation. For three years now, Greece has been making progress in digital transformation, he added.

The Greek Minister referred to the 4th Industrial Revolution, in the context of which, he said, the exchange of good practices helps all to improve.

Digital Governance, he continued, is something very substantial yet simple and concerns the interaction “we all have with the state”.

The Greek Minister said they also discussed many joint projects with Kokkinos and that in Greece, the fundamental project of digital transformation is gov.gr which is the Greek government's main website and encompasses 1377 services.

Regarding his meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades, the Greek Minister said it is very clear that digital transformation is an absolute commitment of the government of Cyprus and is investing heavily into.