Ways to strengthen cooperation between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on public administration, digital transformation and the simplification of procedures were discussed by Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki and Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Dr Nikodemos Damianou with UAE Assistant Minister for Cabinet Affairs Mohamed Rashid bin Taliah, who is responsible for the exchange of government expertise.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the two sides reaffirmed the excellent level of bilateral relations and presented their initiatives to strengthen the Centre of Government, ensure the effective implementation of government work and advance digitalisation.
Piki referred to the recent establishment of the Secretariat for the Coordination and Support of Government Work at the Presidency of the Republic, as well as the development of new digital tools to monitor the implementation of government priorities.
Damianou outlined the reforms being advanced for the digital transformation of the state. These include modernising core information systems, strengthening interoperability among public services and redesigning procedures with the citizen at their centre. He also referred to the use of Artificial Intelligence in public administration and the importance of developing public servants’ digital skills.
Deepening cooperation
Bin Taliah, who is responsible for promoting the exchange of government expertise and best practices with other countries, presented the UAE’s Government Experience Exchange programme, in which 56 countries participate. Among other things, he spoke about the UAE’s experience in coordinating and evaluating government work, accelerating the implementation of government priorities, simplifying administrative procedures and improving public services.
The meeting also considered the prospect of developing cooperation between the two countries, making use of the opportunities offered by the UAE’s Government Experience Exchange programme. The statement said it was agreed that the relevant services of the two countries would hold further discussions in the coming period to explore specific opportunities for cooperation and determine the next steps.
“The meeting highlighted the potential for further deepening cooperation between Cyprus and the UAE through the exchange of expertise and best practices that contribute to modernising public administration and improving services for citizens,” the statement concluded.
Source: CNA
