Stylianidis: Greece and Turkey are partners, especially in the shipping sector

“OR Greece and the Turkeywe are not just neighbors. We are partners, especially in the shipping sector,” said the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Christos Stylianidis immediately after the meeting he had with the Minister of Transport of Turkey Abdulkadir Uraloğlu on November 22, as part of an official visit to Istanbul from November 21-22, 2024.

During the meeting, Mr. Stylianidis mentioned, among other things, the importance of maritime connections between Greece and Turkey, the successful scheme for providing short-term visas to Turkish citizens to visit the Greek islands as well as the positive prospects of yachting.

The meeting of the two Ministers took place immediately after the conclusion of its session Sixth Joint Maritime Committee of Greece and Turkey which took place on November 21 in Istanbul and agreed that the results of this meeting should act as a “roadmap” for Greece-Turkey cooperation in various sectors, such as maritime connections for the transport of goods and passengers between Greek and Turkish ports.

It was also agreed to continue and strengthen the traditional cooperation and mutual support of the two countries within the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In the context of the visit, Mr. The minister also had a warm meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Mr. Bartholomew.

The following is the full statement of the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy:

“I would like to start by warmly thanking the Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, for his kind invitation to visit Istanbul.

I and my entire team are truly grateful to you Minister and your team for your warm welcome and hospitality.

It was a real pleasure and honor for us to have this meeting today. The first of its kind between us.

I firmly believe that this meeting marks a quality upgrade and strengthening of Greek-Turkish cooperation in the critical shipping sector.

Greece and Turkey, we are not just neighbors. We are partners, especially in the shipping sector. And therefore, it is only natural that we want to develop a strong partnership.

Our countries are also traditional partners in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where we have developed a close and productive cooperation. And we have supported each other on various occasions.

Today we agreed to continue on the same path. I truly believe that Greek-Turkish cooperation within the IMO is an exemplary model of constructive cooperation, between two countries, within an international organization.

Today, I informed my colleague the Minister about some European initiatives being undertaken within the IMO. Especially in the field of de-carbonization.

We remain committed to the implementation of international rules and obligations regarding the safety of navigation, the protection of trade routes, the decarbonization of shipping and the protection of the marine environment. Especially today, in an era of geopolitical uncertainties.

dear friends,

As you know, our meeting took place immediately after the meeting of the Sixth Joint Maritime Committee of Greece and Turkey, which took place yesterday.

It was a meaningful and productive meeting. The results of the meeting will act as a “road map” of our cooperation in various areas, such as maritime connections for the transport of goods and passengers between Greek and Turkish ports.

Today, the Minister and I sealed the positive results of the “Joint Maritime Committee”. And we reaffirmed our commitment to work together to further strengthen our cooperation in the maritime sector.

In particular, I mention three specific areas of cooperation:

First, we agreed that maritime links have created a win-win situation. We remain committed to supporting them.

Secondly, we have established a very successful scheme for providing short-term visas to Turkish citizens to visit the Greek islands. To give you a sense of success, during the pilot phase we granted one hundred thousand visas!

Third, maritime tourism is on the rise. Both from commercial yachts and cruise ships. This has tangible results by boosting economic development in coastal communities.

There is no doubt, then, that the shipping sector is an integral and important part of the “positive agenda” in Greek-Turkish relations.

In closing, I would like to inform you that I have officially invited Minister Uraloğlu and his team to visit Athens in the near future. To continue and deepen our dialogue. And I promised a nice lunch or dinner under the Acropolis.

Dear Minister, dear friend, once again thank you very much for this productive meeting and for the warm hospitality. And I look forward to welcoming you to Athens.”