The Deputy Minister for Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, held a bilateral meeting with Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, as part of an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain between 5 and 8 September 2026, following an invitation from the Minister. During the visit, Hadjimanolis also held a bilateral meeting with Bahrain’s Minister for Industry and Trade, whilst a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the maritime sector was signed between the two sides.
According to a relevant press release, the visit took place following the official visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus to Bahrain in January 2026 and ‘effectively reaffirms the positive willingness of both sides to further expand their bilateral relations.’
With regard to the bilateral meeting with Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, it is noted that specific areas of interest were discussed, primarily from Bahrain’s perspective.
With regard to the finalisation and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, it is stated that this creates the framework for the development of practical cooperation and the exchange of know-how and best practices between the two countries. The announcement adds that, following a request from the Bahraini leadership, a bilateral meeting also took place between Hadjimanolis and Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Trade, during which bilateral economic and trade relations were assessed. It was emphasised that there is significant scope for further strengthening these ties, particularly through new partnerships and business opportunities in the shipping services sector.
The Deputy Minister also visited Khalifa Bin Salman Port, where she was briefed by the port operator, APM Terminals Bahrain, on its facilities, operations and services, including the cruise terminal and the logistics zone. This was followed by an exchange of views with senior Bahraini officials on the development of the port and the wider shipping sector.
The Deputy Minister for Shipping was accompanied by the President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Stavros Stavrou, and the Chief Executive of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), Zacharias Siokouros, who held separate meetings with representatives from the government, the business community and the academic sector, exploring new opportunities for cooperation, investment, research and innovation. In this context, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CMMI and Bahrain Polytechnic for cooperation in the fields of research, innovation, education and the exchange of know-how.
Hadjimanolis gave also an interview to AlAyam Publishing, one of Bahrain’s largest media organisations, it is noted. At all the meetings, the Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Andreas Eliades.