Greece maritime and shipping cooperation expansion

Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias has engaged in high-level discussions to expand maritime and shipping partnerships.

During meetings in Thessaloniki with Japan’s Minister for Economic Security and Development Strategy Minoru Kiuchi, officials focused on strengthening bilateral ties in shipbuilding, port management, and mutual investments. The discussions specifically addressed the decarbonization of the shipping industry and enhanced cooperation between respective Coast Guards. It was noted that Greek shipowners maintain a significant presence in Japanese shipyards, ranking second in vessel orders.

Building on these efforts, the scope of maritime cooperation has been extended to include Egypt. Kikilias emphasized the strategic importance of the connection between the Suez Canal, Egyptian ports, and the Greek shipping network. Following trilateral discussions involving Cyprus, the emphasis has shifted toward protecting freedom of navigation and transit rights within the Eastern Mediterranean to foster trade and economic development.

In a significant diplomatic development, Minister Kikilias traveled to Japan, marking the first visit by a Greek Maritime Minister to the country in 13 years. This visit aimed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in shipping, port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and maritime security. The mission highlighted the deep economic connection between the two nations, noting that 24% of the Greek-owned merchant fleet was constructed in Japan. Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the protection of freedom of navigation.