Fact: The First EMODE of the Hellenic Fire Brigade trained Bank of Cyprus SupportCY volunteers on fire laws, fire risk assessment, wildland Urban Interface, fire suppression methods, fire zone construction, and scene safety.
The government has decided to institutionalize direct dialogue with the business community, allowing for collaboration and sharing of plans. President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of businesses in economic development and announced the formation of an advisory tripartite committee to address labor market needs. However, the Labour Minister has shown bias towards unions in labor disputes, potentially hindering business development.
Fact: Cyprus was the first country in the world to take timber production off its list of objectives for the national forests in the mid-1980s.
Fact: President Nikos Christodoulides addressed the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) during their annual general meeting and reiterated the government’s support for the local business community. He emphasized that businesses are the driving force behind economic development and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to facilitate a better environment for businesses, promote innovation, and achieve sustainable economic growth.
Fact: Police successfully identified four potential victims of human trafficking during a real-time training exercise organized by Frontex.
A deal was struck over the employment of third-country nationals in Cyprus, with specific consequences specified for those who do not adhere to housing standards.
The newly appointed governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus, Christodoulos Patsalides, has expressed dissatisfaction with the interest rate disparity between lending and deposit rates in Cyprus.
Delegates attending the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting in Cyprus on April 19 have committed to advancing their discussions at upcoming global summits.
The archaeological site at the Paphos gate on the western edge of Nicosia’s walled city is now open for visitors. Excavations in the area uncovered the founding of the Arab Ahmet aqueduct, completing another mosaic in the history of the area. The importance of promoting places such as Nicosia’s Venetian walls is emphasized for the preservation of the capital’s cultural identity. The preservation of cultural heritage is a collective responsibility and long-term fight that concerns everyone.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Iraq to improve relations and discuss deals on energy, trade, and security cooperation against Kurdish PKK militants. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s expectations for Iraq to help in the battle against the PKK. Cooperation on economic projects and securing water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were also discussed. Bilateral trade between Turkey and Iraq was worth .9 billion in 2023. Erdogan also planned to meet with Iraqi Kurdish officials during his visit.