Cyprus remains committed to playing an active role in shaping international maritime policy, with a strong focus on sustainability, competitiveness and maritime safety, Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis said during a working visit to London from 6 to 9 July.
The centrepiece of the visit was a reception hosted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), on the sidelines of the 137th session of the IMO Council, aimed at promoting Cyprus' maritime sector.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Hadjimanolis said the event provided "an opportunity to highlight Cyprus' significant contribution to the international maritime community", noting that the country "remains one of the world's leading maritime nations."
She stressed that decarbonisation, maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment are the key challenges facing the global shipping industry and can only be addressed through international cooperation and practical, jointly agreed solutions.
Hadjimanolis added that Cyprus will continue to submit proposals and actively contribute both within the International Maritime Organization and the European Union, promoting policies that support the sustainable development of shipping while ensuring that the human element remains at the heart of decision-making.
The Minister also expressed her appreciation to the officials of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, as well as to the staff of Cyprus' maritime offices in Brussels and London, for their contribution to the successful completion of the Cyprus Presidency during the first half of 2026.
During the visit, Hadjimanolis held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Transport, Fawaz Al-Sahali. Their discussions focused on the competitiveness of the shipping industry, the green transition, maritime security and the protection of the marine environment. The two sides also discussed the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The visit also included meetings with representatives of shipping companies aimed at promoting the Cyprus Ship Registry and further enhancing the presence of Cyprus' maritime sector in the international shipping market.
