There has been no development regarding the possibility of Cypriot-flagged vessels accessing Turkish ports, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis said.

Speaking to CNA on the sidelines of a Christmas event in Geroskipou, she was asked whether there had been any progress on lifting Turkey’s long-standing ban on the docking of Cyprus-flagged ships—an issue raised by the President of the Republic.

“The President of the Republic always puts on the table the lifting of the prohibition on Cypriot-flagged ships entering Turkish ports,” Hadjimanolis said.

She confirmed that there is no progress toward lifting the Turkish embargo, noting that the restrictions also affect companies operating in Cyprus in the ship-management sector.

Hadjimanolis expressed hope that a solution can eventually be found, stressing the ongoing national effort to ensure Cyprus remains competitive in global shipping.

However, she underlined that despite the Turkish embargo and longstanding challenges, Cyprus has managed to remain among the major players in international shipping, with its flag present worldwide.

Turkey imposed the embargo on Cyprus-flagged vessels in 1987.

According to information previously reported by CNA during the President’s visit to Berlin and his meeting with the German Chancellor, the Republic of Cyprus is expected to propose visa-facilitation measures for Turkish businesspeople in exchange for allowing Cypriot-flagged ships to enter Turkish ports. The proposal is expected to be submitted during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU.

President Christodoulides had also raised the matter in an interview with the Financial Times on 11 November, stating:
“We can start with visa liberalisation for Turkish businesspeople. At the same time, Turkey could open its ports to ships flying the Cypriot flag. Since 1987, no vessel with the Cypriot flag has been able to approach Turkey.”