“This is a task of the international community, but also of the whole civilized world, with temporary costs today, but with great profit tomorrow,” the prime minister underlined.
The need for the war in Ukraine to end, and with it to prevent it destructive model of authoritarian leaders that at any price or pretext they will encroach on the borders of their neighbors, said on Monday the Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the opening of the International Maritime Exhibition Poseidonia 2022. “This is a task of the international community, but also of the whole civilized world, with temporary costs today, but with great profit tomorrow,” the Prime Minister underlined.
THE our homeland becomes an energy gateway to the whole of Europe and a critical hub for the whole SE Mediterranean, he stressed Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his speech at the exhibition.
He also said that a few days ago the European Council decided to reduce by 90% the imports of Russian oil. “Both the current situation and the legitimacy call on shipping to share the need to restore stability to the world.
The Prime Minister spoke about the vital importance of our shipping for the international situation and its decisive role for the EU supply. “Its crucial participation in the global fuel trade. The risks it runs such as adventure of our two tankers “It certifies in Iran,” he added.
The importance of the sea for the circulation of natural gas is becoming crucial
At the same time, he continued, the importance of the sea for the circulation of natural gas is becoming crucial. “It becomes a shield against the irrational price increases that derail state and family budgets. New challenge for Greek-owned LNG transport ships. “Greece’s movements have been and are very fast”, he underlined, and referred to the storage and gasification station in Alexandroupolis, the increase of the facilities in Revythousa and the development of pipelines and electrical networks.
“Our country thus becomes an energy gateway to the whole of Europe and a critical hub for the entire southeastern Mediterranean,” said Mr. Mitsotakis, recalling that 90% of world trade is transported by sea.
“The bet of the times is double and must be dealt with face to face, upright. The war in Ukraine “He brought to the fore the issue of the green transition, which acquires a deep geopolitical dimension”, he stressed, noting that in the future the world trade of goods will change.
“The first to realize it will be the winners. Today we are called to return to a shipping that will gradually become energy neutral. Yes, progress has been made. A greener fleet not only concerns the protection of the environment but is also an important investment opportunity “, he added, emphasizing that the Greek navy is already mobilizing in this direction.
“There are no magic solutions. The overall effort should include many different technological solutions. There will be obstacles and I have given struggles to overcome them and the Greek shipping is well aware of that. “In my letter to the president of the European Commission, I called on shipping to be a European priority,” he said.
“This is a historic challenge for Greek shipping,” said Mr. Mitsotakis, saying that we can move forward at full speed for green shipping.
We can move forward at full speed for green shipping
He also said that it might be easy to keep a wait-and-see attitude but noted that we are a key player in shipping and we need to get involved to write the new rules. “Europe should finally realize that it has a significant advantage in Greek-owned ships that will contribute to its strategic autonomy. It must be respected by its bureaucracy “, he pointed out, noting that this big turn also concerns our coastal shipping.
“Green coastal shipping “It will eventually protect both our sea and our air,” he said, adding: “My country is well aware of how much Greek-owned shipping has helped maintain the global supply chain. A big thank you to all our sailors. It recognizes the role it is playing today in dealing with energy turmoil. “
The Prime Minister said, among other things, that by the end of the year a plan will be ready to upgrade public naval training to attract more young people to the sea to keep the Greek navy alive for future generations.
In addition, he noted that the shipbuilding industry is also reviving.
“I ask you to trust not only the worthy Greek captains and sailors but also the Greek shipbuilders. We will all come out victorious. “Certainly our Europe, the seafaring trade, the coastal shipping, the local communities, the environment”, emphasizing that shipping is a living part of the people. “There is no prosperous shipping without a prosperous society. “In the new landscape, our homeland will be the winner, which will be the first to raise the flag of evolution, of green modernization,” the Prime Minister stressed and wished good luck to Poseidonia and good travels and good seas to all.
