Greece and Cyprus seek stronger shipping ties with Japan
Greek and Cypriot shipping ministers pursue closer maritime cooperation with Japan through meetings, investment promotion and participation in a Tokyo forum.
Tokyo, Japan. Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias has urged stronger shipping and shipbuilding cooperation with Japan after talks in Tokyo. Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis is pursuing parallel efforts to expand maritime business links with the country.
Cyprus promotes registry and investment
During her Tokyo visit, Hadjimanolis hosted a reception for the Cyprus Ship Registry, bringing together representatives from Japan’s shipping and business sectors to promote registration under the Cyprus flag and further investment opportunities.
Earlier reporting on Friday described her visit as part of a broader drive to draw Japanese shipping companies to Cyprus and reinforce its standing as a global maritime centre.
The programme for Friday’s 5th Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum also listed both ministers. Kikilias was due to give a keynote speech, while Hadjimanolis was scheduled to discuss competitiveness, maritime policy and international cooperation with Nicolas Bornozis, president of Capital Link.
Greek talks cover trade and navigation
Kikilias held discussions with Masanori Kato, vice-president of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), and its secretary-general, Yasuhiro Shinohara. The ambassadors of Greece and Japan attended the meeting.
Their agenda covered cooperation in maritime affairs, navigation freedoms and the consequences of armed conflicts for worldwide trade. They also examined the sector’s energy transition and the need to develop balanced global rules through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Kikilias invited representatives of Japanese shipping to continue the discussions during a visit to Greece.
Established commercial links
Writing on social media on Friday, Kikilias said Greece and Japan had both the capacity and the responsibility to exert a decisive influence on developments in international shipping.
He also emphasised shipping’s direct effect on goods and fuel prices, arguing that this made collaboration between governments and maritime businesses increasingly important.
Figures from the Greek shipping ministry show that Japanese yards built 24 per cent of the merchant fleet under Greek ownership. The ministry also said Greek shipowners hold second place for new-vessel orders placed with Japanese shipyards.
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