Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides, expressed gratitude to Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey Abdulkadir Uraloğlu following their meeting in Istanbul on November 22, 2024, during his official visit on November 21-22.
In their discussions, Mr. Stylianides highlighted the importance of maritime links between Greece and Turkey, the success of short-term visa schemes for Turkish citizens visiting Greek islands, and the positive outlook for yachting.
The meeting followed the 6th Joint Maritime Committee session on November 21, agreeing that its outcomes would serve as a “roadmap” for bilateral cooperation in maritime transport for goods and passengers between Greek and Turkish ports.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing traditional collaboration within the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
During his visit, Minister Stylianides also met with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All-Holiness Bartholomew, in a warm and cordial exchange.
“I would like to begin by warmly thanking Minister of Transport Abdulkadir Uraloğlu for his kind invitation to visit Istanbul.
My team and I are genuinely grateful to you, Minister, and your team for the warm welcome and hospitality.
It was a true 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 qualitative upgrade and enhancement of Greek-Turkish cooperation in the crucial field of shipping.
Greece and Turkey are not just neighbors. We are partners, especially in the maritime sector. Therefore, it is only natural to seek strong cooperation.
Our countries are traditional partners in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where we have developed a close and productive collaboration, supporting one another on various occasions.
Today, we agreed to continue on the same path. I truly believe that Greek-Turkish cooperation within the IMO serves as a model for constructive collaboration between two countries in an international organization.
Today, I briefed my colleague Minister on several European initiatives underway within the IMO, particularly in decarbonization efforts.
We remain committed to implementing international rules and obligations regarding navigational safety, protecting trade routes, decarbonizing shipping, and safeguarding the marine environment, especially amid today’s geopolitical uncertainties.
Dear friends,
As you know, our meeting took place immediately after the 6th Joint Maritime Committee meeting between Greece and Turkey held yesterday.
It was a substantive and productive session. Its outcomes will serve as a “roadmap” for our cooperation in areas such as maritime links for the transportation of goods and passengers between Greek and Turkish ports.
Today, the Minister and I endorsed the positive outcomes of the “Joint Maritime Committee” and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen cooperation in the maritime sector.
Specifically, I highlight three key areas of collaboration:
- We agreed that maritime links create a win-win situation for everyone. We remain committed to supporting them.
- We established a highly successful short-term visa scheme for Turkish citizens to visit the Greek islands. To illustrate its success, during the pilot phase, we granted 100,000 visas.
- Maritime tourism, both from commercial yachts and cruise ships, is on the rise. This brings tangible benefits, boosting economic development in coastal communities.
There is no doubt that the maritime sector is an integral and vital 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 soon to continue and deepen our dialogue. I also promised a delightful lunch or dinner beneath the Acropolis. Dear Minister, dear friend, once again, thank you very much for this productive meeting and the warm hospitality. I look forward to welcoming you to Athens.”