The two ministers were in agreement that the solid foundations for their excellent cooperation were their shared values, commitment to international law, and strong bilateral relations. 

Japan expressed its interest in increasing foreign direct investment between the two countries. 

Athens, Greece (Ports Europe), 9 September 2026 – On 7 September, Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, and Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minoru Kiuchi, held talks covering shipbuilding, port investment, and coordination at the International Maritime Organization. The meeting took place aboard the Hellenic Coast Guard vessel P.A.Th. The Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, welcomed the Japanese Minister of State for Economic Security and Minister in charge of the Development Strategy, Minoru Kiuchi, to the Port of Thessaloniki during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). Japan was the event's guest of honour.  Kikilias emphasised the strong ties between Greece and Japan in the maritime sector, highlighting the significant orders that Greek shipowners have placed with Japanese shipyards, which are renowned for their quality and technical expertise.

Strengthening cooperation in the areas of shipping, shipbuilding and ports. 

The ministers held extensive discussions on ways to strengthen cooperation in shipping, shipbuilding and ports, as well as on how to increase mutual investment and enhance cooperation between their coastguard services. The discussions also covered shipping decarbonisation, with Kikilias acknowledging Japan’s constructive role in the relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) talks. During a visit to the port, Kikilias demonstrated its capabilities and strategic importance as a regional hub. The ministers discussed the port’s expansion projects and the city’s growing cruise activity, which present new economic development opportunities.

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 Bilateral ties in the face of current geopolitical challenges.

The Japanese minister emphasised the potential for closer collaboration in ports, logistics and shipbuilding, highlighting Japan’s development strategy. He underscored the common values and principles shared by both countries and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in the face of current geopolitical challenges.

Increasing foreign direct investment between the two countries

The two ministers were in agreement that the solid foundations for their excellent cooperation were their shared values, commitment to international law and strong bilateral relations. Japan expressed its interest in increasing foreign direct investment between the two countries. A significant step was taken in solidifying the maritime partnership between Greece and Japan at the meeting held at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF ), and the way was paved for deeper collaboration in crucial sectors for both nations.

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# Japan # Thessaloniki International Fair#Port of Thessaloniki # shipbuilding #port investment#IMO coordination# Hellenic Coast Guard vessel P.A.Th#Greece #Vasilis Kikilias # Minoru Kiuchi,