Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus used maritime events in Chios and Brussels this week to promote its shipping priorities, according to Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis. She called for stronger cooperation, wider inclusion and more opportunities for the next generation of maritime professionals.
Keynote address at Mare Forum Chios
Hadjimanolis travelled to Chios on May 7 to take part in the 1st Mare Forum Chios and deliver the conference’s keynote address. She referred to challenges facing global shipping and said the sector is being tested by geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure and rapid technological change.
Call for coordinated European approach and alignment with global rules
Hadjimanolis said there is a need for cooperation, collective action and joint initiatives, and that Cyprus must help ensure Europe speaks with a clear and coordinated voice in global maritime affairs. She said Europe should remain aligned with international frameworks and the International Maritime Organisation, which she described as the main forum for developing global maritime rules.
Cyprus Presidency priorities and Nicosia Declaration
Linking her remarks to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Hadjimanolis said Cyprus is working to strengthen maritime careers, skills development, education, innovation and decarbonisation, while safeguarding the competitiveness of European shipping. She said the recently signed ‘Nicosia Declaration’ also focuses on the human dimension of shipping, including seafarer education and women’s inclusion.
Resilience and regional role
“Cyprus has consistently demonstrated its ability to navigate through periods of regional and global uncertainty, while maintaining a stable, reliable and business-friendly maritime environment,” Hadjimanolis said. “This resilience strengthens our role as a reliable maritime partner and as a bridge connecting Europe with the wider region,” she added.
Ties with Chios and outreach to students
Hadjimanolis referred to long-standing maritime ties between Cyprus and Chios, citing a shared seafaring heritage, respect for the sea and a commitment to passing these values to future generations. On the sidelines of her visit, she also visited the University of the Aegean for its Career Day, where she spoke to students about maritime professions, employment prospects and opportunities in the wider shipping industry and Cyprus’ maritime sector.
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