Cyprus and Bahrain Strengthen Maritime Cooperation with New Maritime Safety and Shipping Agreement
Cyprus and Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on maritime cooperation covering maritime safety and security, shipping training, search and rescue, innovation and the exchange of expertise. The agreement was signed in Manama following talks on Sunday between Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in maritime safety and security, education and training, search and rescue, innovation, and the exchange of expertise and best practices. It also aims to strengthen institutional and technical links between the two countries’ shipping sectors.
Joint Working Groups to Support Maritime Cooperation
Cyprus and Bahrain agreed to follow the signing with practical implementation measures, including the establishment of joint working groups. These groups will identify and define specific areas for cooperation between the two sides.
Hadjimanolis was accompanied by Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou and Cyprus’ ambassador to Bahrain, Andreas Eliades.
Cyprus Shipping Official Visits Bahrain Amid Regional Challenges
Hadjimanolis’ visit, which runs from September 5 to 8, was made at the invitation of the Bahraini minister and follows President Nikos Christodoulides’ official visit to Bahrain in January.
The Shipping Deputy Ministry said the visit is taking place during a difficult period for the wider region and conveyed a message of solidarity and support for Bahrain. It also highlighted the importance Nicosia places on bilateral relations.
New Maritime Deal Builds on Earlier Cyprus-Bahrain Cooperation
The memorandum follows agreements reached during Christodoulides’ January visit, when Cyprus and Bahrain signed agreements covering defence, higher education, tourism, and search and rescue.
The visit also included the first Cyprus-Bahrain Business Forum, which brought companies from both countries together to explore opportunities in financial services, technology, renewable energy, shipping, and marine technology.
What the Maritime Agreement Means for Both Countries
The latest memorandum gives Cyprus and Bahrain a formal framework for developing cooperation between their shipping sectors. Its focus on maritime safety, security, training, search and rescue and innovation places technical expertise and institutional cooperation at the centre of the agreement.
The planned joint working groups will provide a practical mechanism for identifying areas where the two countries can work together. The agreement therefore adds a dedicated maritime dimension to the broader bilateral cooperation developed through earlier agreements and business engagement.
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