The president of Cyprus is urging the European Union to create a commissioner dedicated to covering shipping issues.
Nikos Christodoulides said during the annual general meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber that he will soon submit in writing the request to the European Commission.
“Taking into account the current international environment, it is particularly important that the EU understands the importance of shipping, the geopolitical dimension of shipping,” Christodoulides said, adding that he had already discussed the matter with counterparts in Greece.
Currently shipping falls under the remit of the European Commissioner for Transport. The current commissioner is Adina Ioana Vălean from Romania.
On the local shipping scene, the Cypriot president heaped praise on how the industry has been growing on the island.
“Cyprus shipping is a fundamental pillar and one of the strongest assets of our country’s economy, with tangible growth potential,” Christodoulides said.
