Deputy minister for shipping, Vassilis Demetriades attended the christening ceremony of Safe Bulkers’ new cargo ship M/V Climate Respect on Saturday during his visit to Japan together with officials from his ministry.

Real-estate sales in Cyprus rose 39% in the first half of this year over the same period last year as people turn to property as a safe investment in a time of economic uncertainty.

Cyprus’ TUS Airways has increased its flight frequency to Paris for August, going from two to three weekly flights out of Larnaca due to “strong passenger demand”.

The trade deficit was €2,967.6 million in January – May 2022 compared to €2,265.8 million in the corresponding period of 2021, according to provisional data, published by the Statistical Service on Monday.

Cyprus has satisfactorily implemented nine of 16 recommendations made by the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body GRECO and partly implemented six, GRECO said on Friday. One recommendation has still not been implemented.

Amathus, one of the best-preserved ancient kingdoms in the Eastern Mediterranean, is being reintroduced as a maritime archaeological park. Visitors can now don masks and flippers and explore its ancient port underwater while following informative boards that will direct them to important points within the sunken monument.

President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday hailed the approval of Cyprus’ social cohesion policy programme Thalia 2021-2017, calling it a landmark moment in the country’s efforts to restructure and evolve its economic and social models.

As chaos continues at airports around Europe, the Consumer Protection Service on Friday outlined travellers when they are able to claim compensation for delayed or cancelled flights.

Cyprus’ justice system is getting the biggest makeover in its history, as MPs vote on constitutional changes, allowing for the restructuring of the courts.

Commissioner Elisa Ferreira said on Thursday that Cyprus is the first EU state to have its Cohesion Policy programme approved for access to €1 billion in regional development and cohesion funds.