Greece’s Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, met with the Board of Directors of the Union of Greek Shipowners this week.

In the context of assuming his new duties and his contacts with shipping bodies, Mr. Varvitsiotis visited the Greek Shipowners’ Union and attended the meeting of its Board of Directors, chaired by Ms. Melina Travlos.

During the meeting, there was an exchange of views on shipping issues. The minister expressed the wish for close cooperation so that Greek shipping can maintain its competitive advantages, strengthen the Greek flag and its global leading role.

“Standing by local communities”

Upon taking up his new duties, Mr. Varvitsiotis stated that the Ministry of Shipping also plays a very important role in the interconnection of island Greece and its development, expressing his absolute satisfaction that with him, as Deputy Minister of Shipping, an elite representative of Dodecanese, Yiannis Papas.

He assured the local communities of the islands that “in this ministry they will have their ministry. We will be by their side to deal with all the living problems that the islanders have.”

The new Minister of Shipping said the marine tourism industry should be supported, adding that today millions of people choose our country for their holidays and they should feel safe on land and sea and we want them to receive high level services.

Regarding the development of the ports, he said that a modern island policy must be developed that will meet the needs of the future and will show exactly the developmental role that the ports can play for the growth of the Greek economy.

He also added that our country is becoming the energy hub of Europe, as the Greek-owned liquefied gas transport ships were the answer to Russia’s recent extortions towards Europe and of course to the great challenge we have to defend the rights in the EEZ in the Aegean and south-eastern Mediterranean.

Source: OT.gr