Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fytiris and Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Christos Senekis have agreed to deepen cooperation between their ministries across several areas of shared responsibility.
At the centre of their talks was a three-year investment of about €25.5 million in modern surveillance technology, equipment and additional personnel.
Fire prevention and operational readiness
According to the Ministry of Justice, the two ministers intend to maintain coordination at both political and departmental level, building on existing cooperation in civil protection, environmental protection, security, animal welfare and crisis management.
Particular attention was given to improving the operational readiness of the relevant services for the prevention and response to forest fires.
The ministers discussed the use of modern technology and other equipment to detect incidents earlier and coordinate available resources more effectively.
The upgrade forms part of Phase B of the Holistic Surveillance System, recently approved by the Council of Ministers. The programme provides for investment of approximately €25.5 million over three years to strengthen the operational capabilities of the relevant services through new equipment, technology and additional personnel.
Joint emergency training
Fytiris and Senekis also examined the possibility of organising joint training and professional development programmes for personnel from both ministries.
The aim is to establish a shared operational approach and enable a faster response during emergencies.
Marine protection and Green Line controls
The discussions also covered coastline surveillance for marine pollution incidents, protection of the marine environment, developments in Vasiliko Bay, maritime spatial planning and measures to safeguard environmentally sensitive marine areas.
The ministers also noted the effective cooperation between state services during the recent foot-and-mouth disease crisis.
Regarding the Green Line, they examined ways to strengthen checks against illegal activities, including the movement of plant protection products, veterinary medicines and animals.
Animal welfare and enforcement of the relevant legislation were also discussed. The ministers considered stronger inspections and closer cooperation between the Police, local authorities and the responsible government services.
The courtesy meeting took place on Thursday at the Ministry of Agriculture, following Senekis’ recent appointment.
Source: CNA
