CYPnaval 2015 Conference e-Booklet enhancing the protection of Blue Economy | Page 9

Opening address
by the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus
Mr Christos Malikkides

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Hosts,
I am most honored to be here today and to have the opportunity to address such a distinguished
audience. I would first of all like to congratulate the organizers of this event which is now operating as a
meeting point every two years, where important current issues related to sea security - Security of
Energy Sources, Security of Coastal Facilities and Maritime Security are presented by distinguished
speakers.
“Enhancing the protection of Blue Economy”, a phrase that, as it is stated in the seminar’s website,
demands not only expertise but also communication and coordination mechanisms between the
government and international organizations, the NGOs, the law enforcement agencies, the defense &
security industries, the offshore oil/gas - maritime & fisheries companies, and other stakeholders, in all
aspects of security threat that hinder the development of the Blue Economy in the Mediterranean Sea.
The continuously evolving operational environment, the emergence of new asymmetric threats, as well
as the need to effectively encounter any crisis situation, demand the existence of a reliable and efficient
cooperation network, not only between the various departments and agencies of the Republic, but also
among neighbouring states.
The protection of Blue Economy requires, among other issues, security and stability. The security and
stability in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean region has always been an important issue for
us, primarily due to our geographical location. The Eastern Mediterranean region, apart from being an
area with so many important yet diverse civilizations, it is also our home, our neighborhood.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region is being confronted with a novel challenge. With the findings of
natural gas reserves, Cyprus and the countries of our region are faced with the challenge of managing
these new variables and of formulating their policy and strategy accordingly.
We are all witnessing the dramatic changes in the region with great concern and agony. Traditional
regimes are being overthrown and new forces are emerging to the forefront of internal developments,
of political reforms and regional balances. As unpredictable and asymmetric challenges take place,
while the Eurozone is being confronted by a wider economic crisis, it makes it necessary to intensify our
efforts to efficiently handle the situation in order to overcome successfully the difficulties.
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