The vessel “Alasia” gifted to the Republic of Cyprus by the Sultan of Oman was officially presented to the Cypriot navy in a ceremony in Larnaca harbour.
The vessel, which has been fully repaired, will patrol the open seas, will take part in search & rescue operations, humanitarian assistance missions and will also be used as a training vessel for the Cypriot navy.
Addressing the event Defence Minister Christophoros Fokaides said that Cyprus and Oman “share common historical experience and have common goals as to the need to promote stability, security and peace.”
Both countries, he added, have powerful neighbours and are located in extremely important regions geo-strategically.
Oman and Cyprus have a strong nautical tradition throughout history, he noted.
Conditions of maritime and energy security
At the same time referring to the new energy prospects for Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean in general, Fokaides pointed out that in cooperation with neighbouring and friendly countries Cyprus will contribute towards establishing conditions of maritime and energy security and managing crisis and take part in humanitarian and search and rescue missions.
He also referred to the government’s plans in the context of which by the end of 2020 Cyprus is expected to own three open sea vessels and two smaller coast guard vessels. By then, he added, the Naval base extension should also be completed.
He expressed the Republic’s and the President’s “gratitude” for this important donation on the part of the Sultan of Oman and the country’s Royal Navy.
Oman’s Ambassador Ahmed Al-Shanfari expressed his satisfaction for the safe arrival of the vessel “Al-Salam” which was manned by Oman’s Royal Navy officers together with the Republic of Cyprus’ naval officers.
“The donation sends a message of love and friendship on the part of the leader and the citizens of Oman to our friends in this hospitable country,” he said.
“An act which symbolises the friendship and peace connecting our two peoples,” he added.
Source: CNA
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