Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the Board Meeting of the International Chamber of Shipping

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12/06/25 17:28 | Speech / Address | President of the Republic / Presidency, European affairs, Shipping, Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026

It is with great pleasure that I join you today on the occasion of the Board Meeting of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). Let me start by inviting you to have one of your next meetings in Cyprus. We will be more than happy to host you in Lemesos, and I am sure Thomas will prepare everything in order to have a successful Board Meeting.

My presence here today reflects the importance that Cyprus – a country with a long-standing maritime legacy – attaches to shipping. Unsurprisingly, in Cyprus, we live and breathe sea, and shipping is a natural consequence of that fact.

Over the years, Cyprus has evolved into a fully-fledged shipping centre, combining a prestigious and quality sovereign registry of ships of high safety standards, and a strong domestic shipping industry. Shipping, in fact, constitutes one of the primary pillars of our economic activity, contributing over 7% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This percentage is more than a number; it testifies to shipping’s strategic importance.

We take immense pride in our shipping sector’s remarkable development and sustained success. And we strive to reach new horizons.

Undoubtedly, international shipping faces complex challenges. By nature, the sector is vulnerable to the volatile geopolitical climate. And yet, challenges breed opportunity. I firmly believe that the global challenges confronting the shipping industry demand unified and coordinated international solutions, engaging all stakeholders across both the private and public sectors.

Collective action and strategic initiatives are essential to fostering the sustainable growth of shipping, while simultaneously preserving the sector’s competitiveness. In this respect, we fully support your work – we fully support the ICS. Your role as the global trade association is vital, as you represent the national shipowner associations worldwide and over 80% of the world merchant fleet.

I join you today to reiterate my message that we are steadfast in our commitment to work together for the sustainable growth of international shipping – in supporting you as an indispensable strategic partner on this path.

I am also here today to pay special tribute to Mr Thomas Kazakos, the new Secretary General of the ICS. Thomas, your contribution, as the Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber for more than 30 years, to the growth of Cyprus Shipping has been decisive and invaluable. For that, the Republic of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus are deeply appreciative.

Your appointment as Secretary General of ICS is a great honour for both Cyprus and the shipping industry. It embodies the historic milestone of a Cypriot assuming the leadership of this global maritime association. I am absolutely confident that Thomas’ extensive experience, firm determination, and his love and passion for shipping paves a path for success. And that means success for shipping.

Once again, thank you to the International Board of Shipping, to the Board, to each and every one of you for your commitment to shipping. I am looking forward to welcoming you to Cyprus for your next Board Meeting. The Republic of Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in the first half of 2026, so within the context of our Presidency, we will be more than happy to host you in Cyprus. It will also help us, within the EU, to make our point even stronger – when I talk to my colleagues in the European Council – about the need for the EU to pay more attention to the shipping industry.

Thank you very much.

(AT/MS/IA)

Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the Board Meeting of the International Chamber of Shipping

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