The Deputy Minister of Immigration and Asylum Sevi Voloudakis today held a meeting with the Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Lieutenant General LS. Tryphon Kontiza, who visits Crete Port Authorities.

During the discussion, all the critical issues concerning Port Services in Crete were raised, with an emphasis on the need to reinforce staff and means of managing the increased migratory flows of the last two years, but also on the particular demands of the tourist season that burden the work of executives.

The leader of the Coast Guard, recognizing the difficult task of the men and women of the House daily in Crete, assured that he would continue to support the services in every possible way, pointing out the importance of their contribution to security and maritime borders.

The deputy minister warmly thanked the Chief of the Coast Guard for his presence in Crete and for the continued support of executives serving on the island, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation of all stakeholders to effectively address the complex challenges created by increased migratory flows.

In the same vein, he underlined the key role that the Coast Guard plays at the forefront of management, pointing out the systematic and decisive contribution of the Minister of Maritime and Island Policy Vasilis Kikilia, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Immigration and asylum.

In a statement, the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Asylum noted:

“The port has taken on a significant burden on migration management and Crete has recently been at the forefront of this challenge. As a Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, we work in close cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime and Island Policy and Minister Vassilis Kikilia, as well as with Port Authority executives, so that the problems that arise are immediately addressed and the overall picture is constantly improved. Port staff performs a difficult and demanding work daily, with self -denial and a high sense of duty. The Ministry of Immigration and Asylum will continue its close and loving cooperation with the Coast Guard, so that the necessary solutions are given step by step and recognize its valuable offer. “