The position of the European Commission has been clear for a long time regarding the lifting of the Turkish embargo on Cypriot-flagged ships and airplanes, said Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean, who at the same time praised Cyprus’s efforts and contribution to the implementation of green transport policies.
Speaking during a joint news conference with Transport Minister Giannis Karousos and Deputy Tourism Minister Vasilis Demetriades, Mrs. Valean added that “we are standing by Cyprus and we are using all the opportunities internationally we have to raise the issue,” adding, however, that this is more of a political matter.
Vasilis Demetriades reminded of Turkey’s negative stance on the issue, noting that Cyprus is ready for negotiations with Turkey at any time. He also thanked the European Commission for its support on a problem that “violates the international and European principles and values.”
During the meeting of the European Commissioner with the Cypriot Ministers, a series of issues regarding the sea and air transport was discussed, with Adina Valean stressing the importance of Cyprus’s connectivity with the rest of Europe and hailing the implementation of the decision for a passenger connection between the port of Limassol and the Greek port of Piraeus.
At the same time, she said that decarbonization is the main challenge for the entire transport sector and indicated that, “in addition to shipping and air transport, as citizens, we want cleaner cities, less crowded cities with less traffic congestion.”
Adina Valean congratulated Deputy Minister Demetriades for his efforts for decarbonization of the navigation at international fora but also Minister Karousos for the policies that the Cypriot Government adopts to promote electrical movement on the island.
