Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis paid a working visit to Japan, China and the Republic of Korea from 13 to 29 October, 2026 aimed at strengthening Cyprus' presence in three of Asia’s major maritime markets.
According to a Deputy Ministry of Shipping announcement, the visit included bilateral meetings with government officials, participation in international maritime conferences and contacts with shipowners, shipping companies and shipyards, aimed at promoting Cyprus as an international shipping centre, highlighting the potential of the Cyprus Register of Ships and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
In Japan, the Deputy Ministry organised a special event in Tokyo for the first time, attended by more than 120 representatives of the Japanese shipping and business community. Hadjimanolis also participated in the 5th annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, which highlighted strategic opportunities for cooperation between the international shipping community, particularly Cyprus, and the Japanese market.
During her visit, she held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, and met with representatives of the country's shipping industry and shipyards.
Cyprus' contribution to international maritime dialogue
In China, Hadjimanolis attended the North Bund Forum in Shanghai, following a personal invitation from the country's Minister of Transport, Liu Wei. Her participation in the Forum's opening speeches highlighted Cyprus' contribution to international maritime dialogue, at a time when preparations are also under way for the official visit of the President of the Republic to China, the announcement said.
On the sidelines of the event, she met with the Chinese Minister of Transport to discuss ways of further strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.
She also took part in a ministerial panel at the 10th annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum – Pudong – Shanghai, as well as the official opening of Pudong International Shipping Week. Her programme included meetings with representatives of the Chinese shipping and business community, shipowners, shipping companies and shipyards.
The visit to China concluded with Hadjimanolis attending the naming ceremony of the M/V KYPROS ISLAND at the Tsuneishi shipyard in Zhoushan. The new vessel, owned by Cyprus-based Safe Bulkers, will fly the Cyprus flag.
According to the announcement, it is the first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier to join the Cyprus Register of Ships, marking an important development in its renewal and technological advancement. Safe Bulkers CEO Polys Hadjioannou and company executives accompanied the Deputy Minister at the ceremony.
In the Republic of Korea, Hadjimanolis visited Busan at the invitation of the country's Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Hwang Jongwoo, to attend the World Maritime Day proceedings.
High-level ministerial discussions
She took part in a high-level ministerial discussion alongside counterparts from other countries and International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. She also participated in the 20th edition of the 2026 Korea Maritime Week, where she delivered an address at the opening ceremony.
On the sidelines of the event, she held a bilateral meeting with South Korea's Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Nam Jaeheon. The two sides reaffirmed Korea's willingness to further strengthen maritime cooperation, while a request was made to examine the updating of the existing bilateral Maritime Agreement to cover contemporary and practical issues facing the sector.
Hadjimanolis also held bilateral meetings with Norway's Minister of Fisheries, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, and India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.
The meeting with the Indian Minister focused on preparations for the Deputy Minister's forthcoming official visit to India and the organisation of the Cyprus-India Maritime Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 23 November, 2026.
(Source: CNA)
