V. Kikilias meets China’s Minister of Transport: Proposal to support Greek marine equipment manufacturers’ participation in shipbuilding projects in China

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, met with China’s Minister of Transport, Liu Wei, in Shanghai as he continues his round of international meetings in China following his visit to Japan.

The talks, held in the presence of Greece’s Consul General in Shanghai, Spyridon Kritikos, focused on cooperation between Greek shipping and China’s shipbuilding industry. Mr Kikilias highlighted the significant presence of Greek shipowners, both in terms of the number of orders and the size of the vessels. In this context, he proposed exploring the possibility of Greek marine equipment manufacturers participating in shipbuilding projects in China.

The Greek Minister also underlined Greece’s commitment to respecting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), expressing his deep concern about the impact of the current geopolitical situation on freedom of navigation. He condemned attacks against seafarers and vessels, stressing the importance of safeguarding maritime security.

Mr Liu Wei expressed particular interest in the Greek Minister’s address at the North Bund Forum, jointly organised by China’s Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal Government. Against the backdrop of the critical geopolitical situation and the challenges facing international shipping, this year’s forum focuses on two issues of particular importance to global maritime trade: maritime security and the resilience of maritime transport.

The two ministers agreed to remain in contact and strengthen their coordination, while Mr Kikilias invited Mr Liu Wei to visit Greece.