The government will further strengthen its support to the Cypriot shipping sector through specific actions and dialogue with those involved, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday evening, addressing a Gala Dinner in Limassol, marking the 60th anniversary of the Register of Cyprus Ships. 

The domestic shipping industry, he said in his address, "is today stronger than ever, proving in practice its confidence in the Cyprus Registry, in the wider shipping sector and in the economy of Cyprus in general'.

President Christodoulides underlined that the state's primary goal is to attract foreign investments through shipping.

Moreover, he recalled that recently, following a proposal by the maritime community, he highlighted to the President of the European Commission the importance of the shipping sector for the EU, taking into account the events during the coronavirus pandemic as well as  geopolitical developments, 'an importance' as he said, 'that unfortunately, is not recognized at the EU level'.

'The geopolitical dimension of shipping should be highlighted,  taking into account international developments' the President stressed, noting the need for the EU to address shipping issues either "with the new Commission that will take over in 2024, or with a new Commissioner for shipping, or with a Vice-President of the Commission, who would deal horizontally with the issue of shipping".

"This is something we will pursue, I have also discussed it with the Greek Prime Minister, who shares this approach", he added.

In his address, the President also referred to the Turkish embargo on Cypriot-flagged ships, saying that it is an issue that Nicosia is discussing with the EU, and that "we are raising in order to create a win-win situation, through developments, and to gain trust between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey, which will gradually lead to the achievement of our primary goal, which is none other than ending the occupation and the reunification of our homeland'.

Meanwhile, addressing the event, Marina Hadjimanolis, Deputy Minister for Shipping, said that Cyprus today has a recognized Register of high standards, which has made a decisive contribution to the country, since it has an important position on the global maritime map and plays an essential role in global maritime events.

Cypriot commercial shipping is one of the main pillars that support the economy, she added, and recalled that the Cypriot commercial fleet is today among the largest and most qualitative in the world. The Deputy Minister noted that this achievement is possible thanks to the dedication of all those involved throughout the years.

Concluding, she reaffirmed the will of the government and its Deputy Ministry for Shipping to further strengthen the Cyprus Register.