Cooperation and the exchange of expertise on operational coordination and maritime security was agreed during visits by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris, to the National Command Centre (NCC) and the General Directorate of Coastal and Border Security in Qatar.
According to a Ministry statement, the Minister was briefed on the organisation and operation of the Centre, which utilises advanced technological systems and specialised expertise to coordinate security services and manage incidents and emergency situations, with particular emphasis on staff training and operational readiness.
It is added that, as part of the cooperation, the Qatari side expressed its willingness to host and train, in Qatar, members of the Cypriot services who will staff the Command, Command, Control and Communications (C3) Centre, which is planned to be established in Cyprus, whilst a similar willingness to cooperate, exchange expertise and train personnel was also expressed during the visit to the Directorate-General for Coastal and Border Security.
It is also noted that the Minister was briefed on the operational organisation of the Service, the technological resources and the practices applied in the surveillance and protection of maritime borders.
According to the Ministry, on both visits, the reception was particularly warm and friendly, with the Qatari side expressing a genuine interest in developing cooperation and transferring know-how to the Cypriot services.
Fytiris also held a courtesy meeting with the President of the Qatar Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, during which issues relating to transparency, accountability and good governance, as well as the importance of the effective functioning of oversight mechanisms in strengthening citizens’ trust in public institutions, the statement concludes.
(Source: CNA)
