Press Releases

A ceremony was held on Tuesday, 9^th of July 2024, at the Larnaka Port, to receive a mobile X-ray diagnostic vehicle, between the Customs & Excise Departments of the Republic of Cyprus and the Italian Republic. The vehicle was donated by the Italian government, in the framework of the implementation of the “Amalthea” plan. The government of the Republic of Cyprus, at the handover ceremony, was represented by Ms Theodora Demetriou, Director of Customs & Excise Departments.

The mobile X-ray diagnostic vehicle will be utilised in the framework of the mechanism established for the control, inspection, loading and safe departure of humanitarian cargoes transported by sea from Cyprus to Gaza. This substantial aid contributes to the development of sustainable conditions for the uninterrupted continuation of the operation of the “Amalthea” Plan, under the supervision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, aiming to provide increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza pursuant to the Mechanism 2720 under the relevant Resolution of the United Nations Security Council.

The Republic of Cyprus expresses its gratitude to the government of the Italian Republic for this significant contribution to the humanitarian initiative of the maritime corridor. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Constantinos Kombos expressed his gratitude to his Italian counterpart Mr Antonio Tajani during a telephone conversation, held on the 5^th of July 2024.

The close cooperation and the excellent coordination between the Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and the Italian Republic, both at a political and technical level, reflects, inter alia, the strategic nature of the relations between the two countries, as well as our mutual commitment to the implementation of the joint humanitarian mission for the relief of the civilian population of Gaza.

It is noted that the Republic of Cyprus and the Italian Republic, both through the “Amalthea” Plan and the highly significant initiative of the Government of the Italian Republic “Food for Gaza”, remain at the centre of the European Union’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Cyprus, through the development of synergies, will continue to play a positive and constructive role as a regional humanitarian aid centre and faciliator in providing security and stability in our region.

(MS)