Issues related to the green and digital transformation of shipping were discussed during an online meeting the Cypriot Deputy Minister of Shipping Vassilis Dimitriades held with the Minister of Transport and Communications of Finland Timo Harakka.

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry, Dimitriades and Harakka highlighted the global nature of Shipping, stressing the fact that any arrangements should be made within the framework of the International Maritime Organization.

Concerning the forthcoming EU legislative initiatives under the "Green Agreement", both sides stressed the need to take into account of the specificities of shipping so that the sector remains competitive and efficient. They also agreed to jointly evaluate the EU legislative proposals and submit them to the Council.

Cyprus and Finland also agreed to strengthen their cooperation both bilaterally and at European and International level, in particular on all aspects of global shipping and to establish a framework for building cooperation between the two countries` shipping industry.

They also discussed the challenges of shipping amid the pandemic and ways to facilitate crew change and repatriation of seafarers based on Cyprus` proposal for a coordinated global seafarer vaccination effort.

Dimitriades invited the Finnish Minister to participate in the  Cyprus Maritime Conference 2021 which is scheduled to take place in October 10-13, 2021.