Sustainable economic development in the Mediterranean can be promoted through economic and financial partnerships among the countries and the people of the Mediterranean, Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris has said, noting Cyprus’ contribution to the Euro-Mediterranean process.
Addressing the Euro-Med ministerial conference here on Sunday, the minister said the meeting will provide a chance for an exchange of views on key issues that are of practical and mutual concern, while enhancing cooperation within the Euro Mediterranean partnership.
“From the very foundation of the Euro Mediterranean, Cyprus has been an active contributor in all the conferences and ad-hoc meetings. Over the past 12 years we have always been a strong supporter of the Barcelona process as a well as the newly established European neighborhood policy,†he pointed out.
These two mechanisms, he said, offer an opportunity for the countries in the region to come closer together.
“We can only solve our problem and tackle the challenges that we face by cooperating and fostering this solid partnership at a regional level,†he added, noting that the construction of an economic and financial partnership among the countries and the people of the Mediterranean is of crucial importance for the promotion of sustainable economic development in the region.
“Cyprus strategic location in eastern Mediterranean at the centre of 3 continents and its close proximity to the trade roots linking Europe with the Middle and the Far East has been a main factor shaping our history throughout the centuries,†he said.
Accession to the EU has proved that the policy of integration with the global system can free a national economy from constrains of a small domestic market.
The minister reiterated Cyprus’ strong commitment to the goals and objectives of the Euro Mediterranean partnership and said that Cyprus can serve as a bridge of communication and mutual understanding between the EU member countries and our Mediterranean partners as well as a catalyst for greater conversions of policies to deal with common challenges.
“Cyprus is uniquely placed to play this role as it has fostered with its long history, close cultural and commercial bonds with the people of both Europe and Mediterranean region,†he concluded, noting that the country is facing successfully the new challenges of Europe as it moves towards the adoption of the Euro in January next year.
