Doha:Nicosia Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis conducted a working visit to Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea from October 13 to 29, 2026, to bolster Cyprus' presence in three significant Asian maritime markets.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the visit involved bilateral meetings with government officials, participation in international maritime conferences, and engagement with shipowners, shipping companies, and shipyards. This effort was aimed at promoting Cyprus as a key international shipping hub, showcasing the Cyprus Register of Ships, and exploring new collaboration opportunities.
In Japan, a special event organized in Tokyo marked the first of its kind, drawing over 120 representatives from the Japanese shipping and business sectors. Hadjimanolis also participated in the 5th annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, which focused on strategic cooperation opportunities between Cyprus and the Japanese market. She met with Kenta Aoshima, Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and connected with the country's shipping industry leaders.
While in China, Hadjimanolis attended the North Bund Forum in Shanghai, following an invitation from China's Minister of Transport, Liu Wei. Her involvement in the Forum emphasized Cyprus' role in international maritime dialogue. She also engaged in discussions with the Chinese Minister of Transport to enhance maritime cooperation, participated in the 10th Capital Link International Shipping Forum, and attended the Pudong International Shipping Week. The visit concluded with her presence at the M/V KYPROS ISLAND naming ceremony at the Tsuneishi shipyard in Zhoushan, celebrating the first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier to join the Cyprus Register of Ships.
In South Korea, Hadjimanolis visited Busan for the World Maritime Day proceedings, invited by the country's Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Hwang Jongwoo. She took part in high-level ministerial discussions, participated in the 2026 Korea Maritime Week, and met with South Korea's Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Nam Jaeheon, to discuss strengthening maritime cooperation and updating the bilateral Maritime Agreement. Additionally, she held bilateral meetings with Norway's Minister of Fisheries and India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, focusing on upcoming engagements and the Cyprus-India Maritime Business Forum in Mumbai.