Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias has praised the work of coast guard personnel stationed on the island of Crete, describing their response to migration pressures as highly professional and driven by a strong sense of duty.

Following a series of meetings in the city of Heraklion during a two-day visit, the minister underlined the importance of coordinated action among relevant authorities to manage migration flows effectively and improve operational conditions.

Cooperation with Libya and Maritime Coordination

Kikilias stressed efforts to strengthen cooperation with Libya, including the deployment of two senior coast guard officers following coordination between the coast guard leadership and the foreign ministry. A permanent officer has also been placed at the Greek consulate to work directly with Libyan coastal authorities.

According to the minister, the goal is to help prevent migration departures at an early stage through collaboration with local forces, while improving operational coordination at sea.

He also highlighted the complexity of search and rescue operations in the region, noting that distances of 70 to 100 nautical miles across open sea make missions significantly more difficult compared to narrower sea passages elsewhere in the region.

Praise for Coast Guard Personnel

Kikilias commended the personnel of the Hellenic Coast Guard for operating under demanding conditions, emphasizing their role in both protecting maritime borders and saving lives.

He described their work as essential and praised their professionalism in managing both migration-related incidents and broader maritime safety responsibilities.

Strategic Role of Heraklion Port

During his visit, the minister also highlighted the strategic importance of Heraklion’s port, calling it one of the most significant in the country. He noted that more than 2.6 million passengers passed through the port last year via ferry and cruise operations, with no major disruptions reported.

He added that safety inspections across all types of vessels—from passenger ferries to recreational boats—remain a top priority.

Meetings with Local and Security Authorities

In Heraklion, Kikilias met with coast guard officers, port authority representatives, and regional security officials, including leaders from the fire service, police, and military structures.

Discussions focused on migration management, infrastructure needs, and the operational challenges faced by local authorities on the island.

The minister concluded his visit by speaking at a pre-conference event for Greece’s ruling political party in Heraklion, attended by the country’s prime minister.