Cyprus and India held the first session of their Joint Maritime Committee in Limassol earlier this month, under a merchant shipping agreement the two countries signed in 2017.
The meeting was co-chaired by Theodoulos Mesimeris, deputy director general of Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Shipping, and Venkatesapathy S., director general for international cooperation at India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Both sides presented their shipping sectors. Cyprus outlined its maritime industry and the range of shipping-related services it offers as a shipping hub. They exchanged views on strengthening cooperation and shared best practices, policies and strategies.
Talks focused on maritime education and training and on attracting investment in each country’s shipping sector. They also discussed cooperation at the International Maritime Organization.
The session followed the Cypriot president’s official visit to India and a shared commitment by the president and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen ties. It falls under the Cyprus-India Joint Action Plan.
Officials also discussed an upcoming visit to India by Cyprus’ deputy shipping minister. She will be accompanied by a Cypriot shipping business delegation for a Maritime Business Forum in Mumbai in November. India agreed to work with its private sector and industry chambers to prepare the event.
