Cyprus and Egypt have taken a decisive step toward deepening maritime cooperation, following the first meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) held in Limassol, October 15-16.

The meeting marked the practical implementation of the Merchant Shipping Agreement signed between the two countries in 2006.

The newly established Committee will act as a permanent platform for dialogue, coordination and cooperation on all maritime matters of mutual interest, allowing the two countries to work together more closely on shared priorities across the maritime sector and to promote the long-term development of their bilateral relationship.

The inaugural session was co-chaired by Stelios Himonas, Chairman and Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus, and Rear Admiral Nihad Shaheen, Deputy Minister for Maritime and Logistics Affairs of Egypt.

Senior officials from both countries attended, including representatives from the Ministry of Transport and the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA), ensuring the active participation of all major maritime stakeholders. 

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation under the 2006 Merchant Shipping Agreement, including collaboration within the Mediterranean Memorandum of Understanding (MED MoU), mutual support within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and cooperation in seafarer training and maritime education through partnerships between educational institutions in both countries.

The agenda also included mechanisms for implementing joint training programmes and strengthening ties between Cypriot and Egyptian ports.

According to the statement, both co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to turn dialogue into practical cooperation, with the shared aim of transforming their common vision into tangible outcomes for the benefit of both maritime sectors.

The next JMC session will take place in Egypt next year, to review progress on the areas of cooperation identified in Limassol.

During the visit, the Egyptian delegation toured the Port of Limassol, hosted by the CPA.

The field visit featured presentations on port operations, infrastructure projects, digitalisation initiatives, and green transition strategies, offering a first-hand view of Cyprus’ ongoing modernisation efforts and potential areas for future collaboration.