The work of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works is significant, as it is closely associated with the quality of people’s lives, incoming Minister Alexis Vafiades said on Wednesday. He was addressing a handover ceremony, at the Ministry, in Nicosia, where outgoing Minister, Yiannis Karousos, reassured him that the Ministry is “based on solid foundation”, while underlining the contribution of the personnel in carrying out the Ministry’s tasks.
The ceremony was addressed by the Ministry’s Director, Yiannis Nicolaides, who thanked Karousos noting that he had been an inspiration for the personnel, while dealing with multiple challenges. Nicolaides added that the new Minister will have to deal with many challenges, too, but reassured Vafiades that the Ministry is staffed with well-trained professionals who will work hard and support him.
Karousos, who took the helm in December 2019, thanked President Nicos Anastasiades for the opportunity to serve his government. Addressing the new Minister, he said that he is proud to deliver a Ministry with projects and investments of over €3.1 bln. Looking back, he said the greatest challenge he had to deal with was the pandemic and the repatriation of citizens in Cyprus, after the decision to close down the airports.
He noted that between March 16 and June 11, 2020, 12,111 citizens were repatriated with 126 chartered flights. He also referred to the transportation of medical supplies from China to Cyprus, the Ministry was tasked with during that period. Karousos said that he had left a letter on Vafiades’ office, listing the issues he considers to be critical, along with suggestions, and wished the new Minister all the best.
Address the ceremony, Vafiades said that he is both humbled and glad to take charge as the new Minister of Transport. He noted that the work of the Ministry and its personnel is significant, as it is closely associated with the quality of people’s lives. “I am looking forward to work with all of you” he said, acknowledging that the Ministry is staffed with competent people who put their duty above all.
SOURCE: CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY