Greek Shipping and Island Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Japan’s Minister of Economic Security and Minister in charge of Development Strategy Minoru Kiuchi discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in shipping, shipbuilding and ports during a meeting in Thessaloniki.
Kikilias welcomed Kiuchi at the Port of Thessaloniki on the opening day of this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair, where Japan is the honored country.
The Greek minister highlighted the longstanding ties between Greece and Japan in the shipping sector, noting that Greek shipowners remain second in the number of ship orders placed at Japanese shipyards, which are known for their quality and technical expertise.
Following an honor guard ceremony by the Hellenic Coast Guard, the two ministers boarded the P.A.Th. 090, one of the technologically advanced vessels of the Hellenic Coast Guard, for discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Their talks focused on shipping, shipbuilding and ports, opportunities to increase mutual investment and closer cooperation between the two countries’ coast guards.
Shipping decarbonization also on agenda
The ministers also discussed negotiations over the future of shipping decarbonization.
Kikilias expressed his appreciation for Japan’s constructive role in discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasizing the importance of closer cooperation between Greece and Japan in reaching mutually acceptable solutions.
During the visit aboard the coast guard vessel, Kikilias also briefed his Japanese counterpart on the capabilities and strategic role of the Port of Thessaloniki as a hub for the wider region.
He presented the port’s expansion projects, which the two ministers viewed from the sea, as well as the significant growth of cruise activity in Thessaloniki and the development opportunities it is creating.
Japan sees room for more investment
Kiuchi thanked Kikilias and the Hellenic Coast Guard for the reception and honor guard ceremony. He said it was his first opportunity to inspect an honor guard and visit a coast guard vessel, describing the experience as particularly exciting.
Referring to Japan’s development strategy, Kiuchi said the Takaichi government adopted a strategy on July 21 covering 17 strategic sectors, including port logistics and shipbuilding.
Against that backdrop, he said there was significant potential to further strengthen Greece-Japan cooperation in ports, logistics and shipbuilding, as well as to exchange experience and technical expertise.
Kiuchi also highlighted shared values and principles between the two countries, including democracy, freedom, respect for fundamental human rights, free, fair and open trade, and the rule of law.
He said strengthening bilateral relations was particularly important amid the current difficult geopolitical environment.
The Japanese minister also expressed Japan’s desire to increase direct investment in both directions, from Japan to Greece and from Greece to Japan.
The two ministers agreed that their shared values, respect for international law and longstanding ties provide a solid foundation for further developing and strengthening the countries’ already close cooperation.
