Cyprus and Greece reaffirm maritime priorities at Athens shipping dinner

Athens, Greece. Cyprus and Greece reaffirmed their shared maritime priorities at a dinner hosted by the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) in honour of President Nikos Christodoulides on September 18. The event focused on the strategic role of the two countries’ shipping sectors, free navigation and European regulatory pressures.

Annual general meeting dinner

The dinner was held at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel on the occasion of the CUS annual general meeting. It brought together senior political and government representatives from Cyprus and Greece, European officials, diplomats and shipowners.

President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine A. Tassoulas attended, alongside Greek government vice-president Kostis Hatzidakis, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

European representatives included Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and MEP Elisavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi. Ambassadors from Greece and Cyprus, as well as US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, were also present.

Shipping sector concerns

CUS president Polys V. Hajioannou said Greek and Cypriot shipping were central to Europe’s maritime strength and the protection of free navigation worldwide.

“Ships and their crews safeguard energy security and the supply of global economies on a daily basis,” Hajioannou said.

He said European shipping faced a disproportionate regulatory burden from measures including the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Hajioannou called for a level playing field and a green transition based on mature technology and genuinely available fuels. He also referred to the steady growth of the Cyprus flag and the longstanding support of Greek shipowners.

Shared maritime vision

Hajioannou said the unity of Greece and Cyprus and their shared maritime vision provided the basis for a pioneering, resilient and forward-looking shipping sector able to respond to technological and geopolitical challenges.

Tassoulas also stressed the countries’ unity and strategic alignment, describing shipping as a historic pillar of economic strength and international influence for Greece and Cyprus.

“Free and safe navigation is a cornerstone of global stability,” Tassoulas said, adding that heightened geopolitical tensions had increased both countries’ responsibility to protect the uninterrupted operation of global supply chains and uphold the principles of open seas.