Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime visits Cyprus

Following his visit to Slovenia, Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, arrives in Cyprus today for a two-day official visit.

Commissioner Borg will begin by meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Mr Timmy Efthymiou.

Their discussions will include the proposed European Fisheries Fund and the technical measures for Mediterranean fisheries. They will also examine the challenges facing the fishing sector in Cyprus.

The Green Paper on a future Maritime Policy for the European Union, which the Commission will launch in spring 2006, will also feature on their agenda.

In the afternoon, Mr Borg will first meet officials from various departments to discuss progress in implementing the Common Fisheries Policy.

This will be followed by a meeting with stakeholders to enable Commissioner Borg to hear at first hand what their concerns and suggestions are.

The Commissioner will encourage the industry to play an active role in the setting up of a Regional Advisory Council for the Mediterranean.

On Saturday morning, accompanied by Director of Fisheries Mr George Georgiou, Commissioner Borg will visit fishing ports and fish farming units in Limassol, Zygi and Larnaca.

His visit will conclude with a lunch hosted by the Department of Fisheries.