V. Kikilias visits Japan to further strengthen maritime relations between the two countries

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias is in Japan, where he will hold a series of meetings over the coming days with senior Japanese government officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in shipping, port infrastructure, shipbuilding and maritime security. This is the first visit to Japan by a Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs in 13 years.

Greece and Japan have enjoyed strong maritime ties for decades, developing a relationship of considerable economic and commercial significance. Greek oceangoing shipping and the Japanese shipbuilding industry maintain close cooperation, with Greek shipowners consistently ranking second in orders for new ships at Japanese shipyards. Moreover, 24% of the Greek-owned merchant fleet was built in Japan, reflecting the depth and longevity of this relationship and opening up opportunities for new partnerships and investment.

Beyond their strong economic and commercial ties, the two countries share a commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to safeguarding freedom of navigation. These principles are particularly important to two countries with a strong maritime presence and a pivotal role in international seaborne trade.

Building on this foundation, the two countries are seeking to broaden their areas of common interest, drawing on both their longstanding ties and the opportunities arising from the evolving needs of international shipping. Meetings and discussions between the two sides have taken place in Athens recently, while Japan’s participation as the honoured country at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair last September was also particularly significant. During the fair, Mr Kikilias met with Japan’s Minister for Economic Security, also responsible for Growth Strategy, Minoru Kiuchi, to discuss opportunities to further develop economic and maritime relations between Greece and Japan.