As a major maritime nation Norway was of course well represented, with more than 70 companies that offer high quality and competitive goods and services for the shipping industry worldwide.
During the Posidonia, State Secretary Rikke Lind from the Ministry of Trade and Industry held political talks with the Greek Minister for Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, Louka Katseli. Among the important issues they discussed was use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel in the shipping industry. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel available and its use in sea transportation is an efficient way to drastically cut harmful emissions. LNG-fuel has a potential for important Greek-Norwegian cooperation, in the interest of their shipping industries and, not least important, in the interest of the environment.
Another important industry for both Greece and Cyprus is tourism. In the summer, Greece is the most popular holiday destination in the world for Norwegian tourists. In Greece and Cyprus more than a quarter of a million Norwegians enjoy the sun and local hospitality. In return, their stay benefits local communities and national economies.
I hope every visitor keeps in mind that he or she is guest in a foreign country. In a guest/ host relationship there is some expected behavior from both parties. As the official Norwegian ambassador to Cyprus and to Greece, I express the hope that every Norwegian visitor to the two countries act as “unofficial goodwill ambassadors” for Norway.
I wish all our readers a pleasant summer.