Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia hosted the Cypriot Minister Alexis Vafeades of Transport, Communication and Work, in Malta.
Minister Farrugia and Minister Vafeades engaged in bilateral meetings, during which they also toured a number of projects and initiatives with the aim of enhancing the collaborative efforts between the two countries.
Minister Vafeades had words of praise for Malta, specifically commending our country’s dedication to fostering a sustainable future through impactful projects that are shaping the path towards long-term sustainability.
Minister Vafeades and Minister Farrugia visited the Malta Public Transport offices and the charging station in Floriana. Minister Farrugia explained the recently announced €20 million investment through which 30 new electric buses were added to the current fleet resulting in more than 400 additional daily trips. Minister Vafeades was shown the charging station, which has the capacity to charge a bus in a short period of time, for it to resume service as soon as possible. Vafeades was also toured on one of these electric buses equipped with charging hubs and free Wi-Fi.
In the Transport Malta control room, the delegation was shown how the Authority manages traffic flow, especially during rush hours. This presentation demonstrated the Authority’s capability to dynamically control traffic in response to daily demands through the strategic deployment of numerous cameras and dedicated personnel.
The Cypriot delegation also visited the shore-to-ship project, which is currently in its final phase of implementation. This project will reduce air pollution from cruise ships in the Grand Harbour area by more than 90%. These facilities will electrify the ship’s onboard system while it is docked in the port and will improve the air quality for 17,000 families. During his visit, the Cypriot Minister was given a comprehensive explanation about how this system operates.
Minister Aaron Farrugia explained how the two countries will strengthen their collaborative efforts. “Both at Council of Minister level and at a bilateral level, Malta and Cyprus will continue to strengthen their cooperation on various issues, as the challenges that the two countries face are remarkably similar. I look forward to further collaboration with Minister Vafeades,” Minister Farrugia said.
Cypriot Minister Alexis Vafeades praised Malta for the way our country is investing in the future and is committed to making the transport sector a more sustainable one. “What we have seen in Malta, particularly the shore-to-ship project, is an investment not only in the well-being of the people living around the port area, but also in the maritime sector,” Minister Vafeades stated.
Minister Farrugia was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Godwin Mifsud.
