Cyprus-Greece to work together on digital transformation

Cyprus and Greece signed on Wednesday a memorandum of understanding on digital development in a bid to deepen ties in the sector.

The main topics of discussion between deputy research minister Kyriakos Kokkinos and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Pierrakakis were speeding up the digital transition and the opportunities they promoted.

Closer cooperation and strengthening their links in IT and communications, along with digital governance were also discussed.

The signing took place at the presidential palace in Nicosia, where the two sides agreed to create infrastructure to share information on projects of common interest, such as the development of digital services.

The main point of reference was digital governance, pointing directly to the judicial and education sectors – as Nicosia announced last month that it aims to have a single government portal, gov.cy, up and running within two months.

They also aim to jointly combat cybersecurity threats and will unify their efforts when participating in European programmes.

“Today we are laying the foundations for an expanded cooperation based on a common vision, common values, mutual respect and solidarity,” Kokkinos said at the ceremony.

He praised the cooperation as one that provides the means to add value to the economy and for society of both nations.

Kokkinos further praised their joint efforts which will help create parallel digital structures centred on serving the public.

For his part, Pierrakakis said it was important to cooperate during the fourth industrial revolution as each party has much to learn from the other.

The deputy ministry has previously stated that the digital transformation of the country is progressing at a fast pace.

Wednesday’s announcement follows up on comments made by the ministry earlier this year, which outlined how digital IDs and online signatures will be made available from April – while all government services will be available digitally.