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An initiative of the University of Nicosia and the Arab Academy for Science
“The Eastern Mediterranean is a region with a rich maritime heritage. In these difficult times, it is essential that the people in the region set aside past differences and work together towards economic development, in the context of rapid globalisation and climate change, utilising that which unites them: The sea.” With these words of encouragement, Mr. Marios Demetriades, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, welcomed the creation of the first Maritime Academy in Cyprus.
Photo Caption: Mr. Marios Demetriades, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works
The Minister then stressed the necessity for highly trained and experienced crews on merchant ships, as important for shipping, economic growth, and in helping to curb unemployment. Despite the global economic crisis, maritime education should not be considered an unnecessary expense, but rather an essential and worthwhile investment. He also referred more generally to the various needs of the “blue economy”, which requires a skilled workforce, capable of using the latest technologies in engineering and in related fields.
The above issues were highlighted, among others, during the ceremony for the signing of the agreement between the University of Nicosia and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)according to which, the first Maritime Academy in Cyprus is being established; with the support of the Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean (Mar.In.E.M.) and Intercollege.
The agreement forms part of a wider transnational agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and Egypt. It was signed at the Intercollege Campus in Larnaca, which will serve as the headquarters of the newly formed Maritime Academy.
Photo Caption: The signing of the agreement between the University of Nicosia and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, with the support of the Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean and Intercollege.
The Minister of Defence, Mr. Christoforos Fokaides, explained the immense importance of a powerful merchant fleet for the economy and national security of Cyprus, while noting that “the Maritime Academy will bridge the relations between Europe and the Arab world, promoting development, regional cooperation, and maritime security.” He also stressed that the Ministry of Defence of Cyprus supports any initiative that promotes the common interests of both countries.
Photo Caption: Mr. Christoforos Fokaides, The Minister of Defence
In his brief address, the Mayor of Larnaca, Mr. Andreas Louroutziatis, expressed his satisfaction that the Maritime Academy will be housed in the city, with the attendant benefits that this will bring. In his address, Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, underlined the great importance of the cooperation between his country and Cyprus, not just in the “maritime industry”, but also in the fields of oil and natural gas. Following on from that, he expressed his wish for other similar agreements between the two states.
Photo Caption: Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.
The President of the Council of the University of Nicosia, Dr. Nicos Peristianis, focused on globalisation and on the collapse of the Cyprus economy, which, as he noted, has created a need for new directions. The Maritime Academy provides such a direction, offering academic degrees, specialised certificates, training programmes, as well as, research and innovation opportunities in the field of shipping. This is an area which the EU considers enormously significant, given increasing needs, especially in the Mediterranean region. Dr. Stylianos Mavromoustakos, Executive Director of the Academy, underscored the benefits of this endevour and presented the various academic and training offerings.
Photo Caption: Dr. Stylianos Mavromoustakos, Executive Director of the Academy and of Intercollege.
The event was attended by representatives of shipping agencies and companies, MPs, members of the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Larnaca, members of the press, etc.
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