MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASIAN PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY, PISSOURI (LIMASSOL), 25-26 June 2018

Opening remarks by Mr. Nicos Tornaritis, MP, Chairman of the Committee and Vice Chairman of the Assembly - Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Mr. President of the House,
Dear Representatives of Parliamentary Parties,
Dear Ambassadors,
Honourable Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a particular honour and pleasure for me to welcome you in my turn to Cyprus and to the beautiful Pissouri of the Limassol district and to the Meeting of the Standing Committee on Economy and Sustainable Development of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

The fact that Cyprus holds the Presidency of the specific Committee constitutes a particular honour for us and increases the sense of responsibility of our Parliament.

Promoting, through the proceedings of the Standing Committee, the preoccupations we share and dealing with the common challenges we face, constitute a personal and collective goal. Only through common and targeted action can we hope to formulate substantial proposals for our Governments, aiming at including basic provisions of sustainable economic development across our national policy spectrum. 

Allow me to note that Cyprus attaches great importance to its energy planning. The discovery of hydrocarbons in our Exclusive Economic Zone has created promising prospects for Cyprus and the whole Middle East region, which can constitute a new energy hub. These perspectives are all the more hopeful thanks to the geostrategic position of Cyprus, which connects Europe to the Middle East and Asian markets, as well as thanks to its role as a pillar of stability and security in the region. 

With regard to the use of renewable energy sources, the Cyprus energy policy is in line with the UN and EU goal for the reduction of pollutant emissions and the resulting phenomena of global warming and climate change. Our country holds the first place in the world in the use of solar energy for water heating for households and has made significant progress in the production of energy from renewable sources, representing about 8,7% of the total energy production. Until 2020, 13% of energy in Cyprus is expected to be produced from renewable sources. 

The agenda of the Standing Committee on Economic and Sustainable Development must be at the forefront of these efforts. Through this platform, we can coordinate our efforts for promoting economic development and the sustainable use of energy, for combating poverty, as well as connecting our energy policies to the global goals for sustainable development and the fight against climate change, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Additionally, transferring expertise and know-how on environmental matters must be enhanced between Members of the Committee, with a particular focus on the work of education and research institutions and civil society stakeholders. 
          
Dear Colleagues,
Besides being a beautiful country on the easternmost part of the Mediterranean, Cyprus constitutes a stable service hub, within the European Union, which can operate as a trusted interlocutor and associate. 
  
Your increased participation in the Meeting in Cyprus constitutes tangible evidence of the importance our Parliaments attach to fostering cooperation among us. A cooperation, based on the fundamental values of mutual understanding, mutual respect and solidarity. 

I am certain that, through our substantial debates in the next two days, we will focus on the common challenges and problems faced by our region and the world, sending a clear message. On issues pertaining to the quality of life and the future of citizens and our planet, elements uniting us are much more numerous than those dividing us. Collective action, based on common principles constitutes our only option.  
 
With these thoughts, I welcome you once more and I wish you a productive and pleasant stay in Cyprus.