It gives me great pleasure to address this conference and I would like to thank you all for your participation. Furthermore, I would like to extend my thanks to the organizers and the speakers of this conference.

Space spawns the world’s most innovative technologies, that virtually affect every aspect of our daily life.

Space proved to be a driver for growth and innovation. Its use can significantly contribute to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Systems that are today essential for the well-being and security of the European citizens are heavily dependent on space. These systems stimulate competitiveness and contribute to the economic growth and job creation in a multitude of markets.

Europe requires an effective and independent space policy which will allow the European Union to take a global leading position in selected strategic policy sectors. Space can provide the tools in finding solutions to many of the challenges faced by the 21st century society. Within these boundaries it is vitally important that all member states are committed to the successful materialization of the European Space Policy. It is also necessary to accomplish coordination between the activities of all member states as well as between all other involved organizations, in order to avoid waste of efforts, encouraging thus the promotion of research programs and other space related activities.

The Republic of Cyprus is actively supporting the efforts concerning the further use of space related technologies and applications in sectors related to the environment, safety, transport, energy and telecommunications. In this context we proceed to the organization and development of the appropriate necessary structures and procedures aiming in an active participation in the European Space Policy.

The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus decided on the 17th of October 2008 to set up a think tank, constituted from academic and other scientists. The mandate of this think tank is to assist the Minister of Communications and Works in the implementation of its competences in relation to space.

On the 27th of August 2009, the Republic of Cyprus has signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA). With this agreement a new era for further efforts began, in order to fully accumulate the provided benefits on the one hand and to contribute to the development and achievement of the ambitious targets of Europe in the Space Sector, on the other hand. Our participation in ESA is beneficial in various areas of the economy, education, technology and space industry, creating at the same time further opportunities for employment.

The agreement has been ratified by the Parliament and in the very near future we will define our priorities and take decisions regarding our further cooperation with ESA.

Active participation in the Galileo Program will also help Research and Development as well as other sensitive sectors of the economy that make use of these technologies, such as the Maritime and Aviation sectors.

In this context, Cyprus is proud to host one of the three MEOLUTS (Medium Earth Orbiting Local User Terminals) that will support the implementation of the COSPAR-SARSAT System for search and rescue. The installation of the MEOLUTS will contribute to the implementation of the European satellite navigation programmes: EGNOS and GALILEO.

It is also important to mention that the Republic of Cyprus has already issued three licenses concerning the use of space for satellite telecommunication applications.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Europe is in the midst of a fierce economic crisis. Attention should be given to growth and job creation. We can all agree that space is an elemental tool contributing to the achievement of this goal.

Concluding, I would like to thank once again, our speakers, especially those who travelled to Cyprus for this conference, and wish all of you a productive and fruitful day.