Cyprus advances maritime cooperation and seafarer welfare initiatives

Cyprus is seeking to strengthen its maritime ties and focus on seafarer welfare through both international frameworks and bilateral diplomacy. At a symposium in Athens marking the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized that human welfare must remain central to the shipping sector's growth and competitiveness.

Hadjimanolis noted that Cyprus has fully integrated MLC provisions into its national legislation, ensuring standards for working conditions, medical care, and social protection. As a major ship registry and management center, Cyprus continues to support the MLC as a vital pillar of international maritime regulation.

In a separate diplomatic development, Deputy Minister Hadjimanolis met with China’s new ambassador, Yang Yundong, to discuss enhancing maritime cooperation. The discussions focused on seafarers, maritime education, and coordination within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The two nations, which have maintained a formal maritime transport agreement since 1990, are looking to expand cooperation in training and the future maritime workforce.