President Nikos Christodoulides assured on Tuesday that the development of the Larnaca port and marina will proceed as planned, despite recent setbacks. Speaking at an Edek event marking the party’s 55th anniversary and Cyprus’ 20 years in the EU, he emphasized that “the project would continue without delays.”
The government recently moved to terminate its agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings over the Larnaca port and marina project, leaving the future of the stalled €1.2 billion development uncertain once again. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades explained that the government had no other choice after Kition repeatedly failed to pay its financial guarantee.
Government’s Commitment to Progress
Christodoulides mentioned that a cabinet meeting would be held to discuss the issue further, following his discussions with Vafeades. He stressed the importance of moving forward promptly, ensuring that the project meets strategic needs. “We owe it to Larnaca and its people to find a capable company to handle the development,” he said.
Job Security and Local Engagement
Addressing concerns about job security, the President assured that the workers employed to contribute to the creation of the port do not need to worry. He further highlighted “ongoing communication with Larnaca municipality” to ensure local engagement and transparency.
Potential Investments and Strategic Partnerships
Regarding potential investment interest from the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Christodoulides confirmed ongoing discussions on various strategic developments, including the Larnaca port. He stressed the importance of capable companies managing such critical projects, mentioning recent talks with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao on the subject and continuous efforts at both technical and political levels.
The Larnaca port and marina project remains a focal point for Cyprus, promising significant economic and social benefits for the region. With renewed commitment from the government and potential new partnerships on the horizon, the future of this ambitious development looks promising.
