Honorable Ambassadors,
Military representatives of the armed forces of foreign countries,
Distinguished guests,
Dear colleagues from Governmental institutions,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great pleasure that I salute once again the Multinational Exercise NEMESIS 2018 which is ongoing today for the fifth consecutive year.

The success of NEMESIS, a multinational and multiagency exercise, is based primarily on the level of cooperation and coordination of the participating units and personnel.

Having in mind, the capabilities and professionalism of the participating means and personnel, I have no doubt that the exercise will once again meet its goals.

Even prior to the exercise start, much has been accomplished and for this I would like to commend everyone who has been involved from the planning stage of the exercise. 

Additionally, the effectiveness of all the agencies involved in the wider field of maritime safety and marine pollution is not an onetime goal to be achieved. Rather, this is a process to be pursued continuously and within that framework, the importance of this exercise lies. NEMESIS 2018, like every large scale exercise is organized, is a great opportunity to identify valuable lessons that will enhance our effort for continuous improvement. I have no doubt that the participants will grasp this opportunity and take their knowledge and experience a step further.

Finally, taking this opportunity, I would like to underline the importance of the utilization of hydrocarbons within the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone for the future of our people. 

We recognize that the utilization of our Exclusive Economic Zone comes not only with benefits but also with responsibilities and I would like to assure you that the Republic of Cyprus is committed to adhere to them. In doing so, we are actively pursuing the maximization of cooperation and coordination of all of the involved parties, governmental and of the private sector, based on the international laws and European Union Directives through initiatives like this particular exercise.

I wish to all of the participants a very successful, fruitful and safe exercise and for you, I hope the 3 hours of your stay at the ZENON Center to be fruitful. 

Thank You