Welcome address by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, Dr Maria Panayiotou, to the crew of the Jordanian mission that arrived in Cyprus yesterday to reinforce the aerial firefighting capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus

It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I extend a warm welcome to the mission that arrived from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, particularly the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

Their immediate response to the request of the Republic of Cyprus showcases the depth of our bilateral cooperation and the shared commitment to addressing challenges that transcend borders.

I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their invaluable support to Cyprus during this critical period, characterised by high temperatures and the looming threat of wildfires.

Until the arrival of the leased firefighting airplanes and helicopters, the Jordanian Mission will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in aerial firefighting, contributing to the preservation of our precious forests.

The Jordanian Mission comprises 18 highly skilled individuals, including pilots, crewmen and technicians. Their expertise in aerial firefighting ensures that we have the best possible assistance at our disposal.

The Government of Cyprus is leveraging all available resources to minimise the impact of wildfires and ensure the utmost protection for our forests, biodiversity and the well-being of our local communities. While the complete eradication of wildfires is, of course, an ideal scenario, our aim is to achieve the most immediate and timely response possible to the challenges we face.

Once again, I extend a heartfelt welcome to the mission from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and express our deepest gratitude for their solidarity.

(EFys/NGian/EP)

 

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