Greece and Japan strengthen maritime and shipbuilding cooperation

Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, conducted an official visit to Tokyo to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation with Japan. During meetings with Japanese officials, including Minister of Economic Strategy Minoru Kiuchi and Vice Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kentaro Asahi, discussions focused on port logistics, shipbuilding, and maritime security.

Key topics included concerns regarding shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on international trade. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to international law and cooperation within the International Maritime Organization (IMO), particularly regarding the energy transition in the shipping sector.

Kikilias highlighted the deep historical ties between the two countries, noting that Greek shipowners remain the second-largest group of orders in Japanese shipyards. Beyond maritime issues, meetings with Taro Kono, President of the Japan-Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group, touched upon security, political protection, demographics, tourism, and digital child safety.