Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides stressed the government's firm commitment to work towards the further development and strengthening of the shipping sector in Cyprus.

Addressing the opening reception of the "Maritime Cyprus 2023" in Limassol on Sunday, President Christodoulides said the conference "has been established as one of the most significant gatherings of the international shipping community" noting that this year's conference, "is even more upgraded."

In his remarks, President Christodoulides said the shipping sector is very important for Cyprus, a nation with long maritime history. "Today, Cyprus is a fully-fledged dynamic shipping centre, combining a prestigious and quality sovereign registry of ships of high standards of safety and a domestic shipping industry, known for its excellent quality services," he noted.

The President stressed "the firm commitment of my Government to work towards the further development and strengthening of the shipping sector in Cyprus, providing the appropriate framework for a sustainable growth."

President Christodoulides also congratulated Greek shipowner George Prokopiou, a worldwide recognised personality for his achievements in the international shipping, for being bestowed the ‘Cyprus Maritime Personality Award’.

He expressed his appreciation for Prokopiou's valuable support to the Cyprus Ship Registry.

The event was also addressed by Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, who welcomed "to the jewel of the Mediterranean" her counterparts from Greece and India, the newly elected Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, the President of the International Chamber of Shipping, and foreign delegates.

She said that the Maritime Cyprus conference, first organized in 1989, becomes "larger and more significant every year, attracting elite speakers and delegates."