Cyprus’ re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is “very important”, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis has said.
Asked by CNA about the significance of the re-election, Hadjimanolis on 7 December said it had been “a very big effort, especially this year,” noting that the geopolitical conditions in recent times made the campaign particularly challenging. She said the effort “began two years ago” and pointed out that “this time Cyprus managed to rise to 7th place from 12th.”
According to the Deputy Minister, the result “shows the trust that other countries—and a global organisation like the IMO—place in Cyprus.” She noted that Cyprus has been elected to the IMO Council continuously since 1984 and has been a member of the organisation since 1973.
“Our presence is very important, because in this way we can help shape and participate in policy decisions,” she added.
Decarbonisation of shipping
Asked about the IMO’s decarbonisation agenda and recent reactions to it, Hadjimanolis said it is “a very big chapter that started many years ago” and expressed hope that with Cyprus assuming the EU Council presidency on 1 January, the Republic will “take a leading role in these developments.”
“We are trying to find a way for this to work globally,” she said.
She added that the measures under discussion aim to reduce emissions from ships and protect the environment.
“Intensive efforts are under way,” she said, expressing hope that the outcome will be “something that works for everyone, not just for a few.”
In this context, Hadjimanolis during the EU Transport Ministers’ Council on 4 December in Brussels, joined discussions on adopting global measures for shipping decarbonisation under the IMO framework. She stressed the need for sustainable solutions and consensus among all stakeholders to achieve the maximum possible degree of decarbonisation.
(Source: CNA)
