Cyprus-India maritime cooperation is set to expand following the first meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee, held in Limassol on Tuesday under the 2017 Maritime Shipping Agreement between the two countries.
Joint committee meets in Limassol
The committee provides a framework for institutional dialogue between Cyprus and India, allowing the two sides to discuss matters of mutual interest and identify specific areas for cooperation.
The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Theodoulos Mesimeris, Acting Director-General of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, and Venkatesapathy S., Director-General for International Cooperation at India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Representatives from both sides presented their respective maritime sectors and ecosystems.
The Cypriot delegation outlined the country’s shipping industry and the wide range of maritime and related services available through Cyprus as an integrated maritime centre.
Focus on training and investment
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two maritime industries, including the exchange of best practices, policies and strategies in key areas covered by the two ministries.
Particular emphasis was placed on maritime education and training, as well as opportunities to attract investment in the shipping sectors of both countries.
The two sides also discussed Cyprus-India maritime cooperation within the International Maritime Organization (IMO), alongside other issues of common interest.
Business forum planned for Mumbai
The meeting forms part of the Cyprus-India Joint Action Plan and follows President Nikos Christodoulides’ official visit to India.
It also reflects the stated intention of Christodoulides and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further strengthen bilateral relations, with shipping identified as an important area of cooperation.
During the Indian delegation’s visit, the upcoming visit of the Deputy Minister of Shipping to India was also discussed.
The Deputy Minister is expected to travel to India with a Cypriot maritime business delegation to hold a Maritime Business Forum in Mumbai in November.
The two sides discussed preparations for the forum and agreed that the Indian side would work with the private sector and the country’s chambers of commerce and industry to organise the event.
The visit is expected to support institutional and business ties while highlighting new opportunities for cooperation between Cyprus and India.
Also read: Cyprus-India ties now take on strategic depth, Presidency says
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
