Greece and Cyprus underscored their close maritime partnership at a dinner organized by the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) in honour of President Nikos Christodoulides, held in Athens on September 18.
The event took place at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel alongside the CUS annual general meeting and gathered top political and government officials from both nations, together with EU representatives, diplomats and leading figures from the shipping industry.
Guests included Hellenic Republic President Constantine A. Tassoulas, Greek government vice-president Kostis Hatzidakis, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Also present were European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, MEP Elisavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, ambassadors from both countries, and US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.
CUS president Polys V. Hajioannou opened the evening by highlighting how vital Greek and Cypriot shipping is to Europe's maritime power and to defending free navigation around the world. "Ships and their crews safeguard energy security and the supply of global economies on a daily basis," he noted, warning that European shipping carries a disproportionate regulatory load from rules like the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime, hitting small and medium-sized operators hardest.
He pushed for fairer competition and a green transition built on mature, genuinely accessible technology and fuels, while noting the ongoing growth of the Cyprus flag and the steady support of Greek shipowners. According to Hajioannou, the strong bond between the two countries gives their shipping sector the resilience and vision needed to navigate technological and geopolitical change.
Tassoulas reinforced that message of unity, crediting shipping as a longstanding source of economic strength and global influence for both Greece and Cyprus. "Free and safe navigation is a cornerstone of global stability," he said, adding that growing geopolitical tension makes it even more important for both countries to protect global supply chains and defend open seas.
He also called for Greece and Cyprus to keep a unified, coordinated voice in EU institutions on the industry's green and digital transformation, "so that the transition remains competitive, technologically mature and aligned with the real needs of the sector." Tassoulas reaffirmed Greek support for resolving the Cyprus problem in line with UN resolutions and EU law, connecting regional stability to maritime security and shared prosperity.
Christodoulides called shipping a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy and national identity. "Shipping is a fundamental pillar of the Cypriot economy and a key element of the country's international identity," he said, crediting the CUS for its role in growing the Cyprus Registry and pointing to close cooperation among Cyprus, Greece and other EU members on maritime security. "Cyprus works closely with Greece and other EU member states to ensure the security of international navigation," he added.
He also addressed major challenges facing the industry, from decarbonisation and digitalisation to workforce shortages, insisting that "every new measure must be realistic, proportionate and globally applicable." Christodoulides pointed to Cyprus' economic momentum and the shipping sector's progress, citing the Registry's continued expansion and Cyprus' growing role at the International Maritime Organisation.
"The close cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in the maritime sector remains a constant point of reference, grounded in trust, coordination and a shared commitment to a strong and competitive maritime future," he said, framing shipping as a strategic asset central to both countries' global standing and to strengthening Europe's maritime presence.
The dinner closed on a note of shared purpose, with the CUS pointing to the unity and mutual regard between Greece and Cyprus. The union said ongoing bilateral cooperation, backed by the strong turnout of shipowners and their dedication to a modern, safe and competitive maritime sector, lays solid groundwork for the industry going forward, and pledged to keep supporting the two countries' shared maritime goals as global conditions shift.
Prominent shipowners present included Angelakos, Coustas, Daifa, Dragnis, Efstathiou, Fafalios, Goumas, Hadjiyiannis, Hajioannou, Inglessis, Kanellakis, Klerides, Koch, Kollakis, Laskaridis, Martinos, Melisanidis, Moundreas, Mouskas, Mylona, Paliou, Panagiotidis, Panagopoulos, Patitsas, Pittas, Procopiou, Saracakis, Souravlas, Stafylopatis, Stengos, Theocharakis, Tsatsakis, Tsavliris, Vafeias and Xylas, among others.