Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias welcomed Japan’s Minister of Economic Security and Minister in charge of Economic Growth Strategy, Minoru Kiuchi, at the Port of Thessaloniki on the opening day of this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), as Japan is the Honoured Country.Kikilias highlighted the strong and longstanding ties between Greece and Japan in the shipping sector, noting that Greek shipowners consistently rank second in terms of ship orders placed with Japanese shipyards, which are renowned for their high quality and expertise.Following an inspection of a ceremonial guard of the Hellenic Coast Guard, the two ministers boarded P.A.TH. 090, one of the Hellenic Coast Guard’s most technologically advanced vessels, where they held extensive discussions on further deepening bilateral cooperation in the strategic sectors of shipping, shipbuilding and ports, opportunities to increase mutual investment, and strengthening cooperation between the two Coast Guards.Particular reference was made to negotiations on the future of shipping decarbonisation. Kikilias expressed his appreciation for Japan’s constructive role in the relevant discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stressing the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries in reaching mutually acceptable solutions.During the visit at sea, the minister briefed his Japanese counterpart in detail on the capabilities of the Port of Thessaloniki and its strategic role as a hub for the wider region. He also presented the port expansion projects, creating new prospects for growth and prosperity.Significant scope for stronger Greece-Japan cooperationOn his part, Kiuchi warmly thanked Kikilias and the Hellenic Coast Guard for the welcome and the ceremonial reception, noting that it was the first time he had had the opportunity to inspect a ceremonial guard and visit a Coast Guard vessel, an experience he described as particularly exciting.Referring to Japan’s development strategy, he noted that the Takaichi government adopted a strategy on 21 July covering 17 strategic sectors, including port logistics and shipbuilding. In this context, he stressed that there is significant scope for further strengthening Greece-Japan cooperation in ports, logistics and shipbuilding, as well as for exchanging experience and expertise.The Japanese minister also stressed that the two countries share common values and principles, including democracy, freedom, respect for fundamental human rights, free, fair and open trade, and the rule of law. As he noted, strengthening bilateral relations is particularly important in today’s challenging geopolitical environment.At the same time, he expressed Japan’s desire to increase direct investment both from Japan to Greece and from Greece to Japan.