Posted on December 7, 2025
There have been no developments on allowing Cyprus-flagged vessels to call at Turkish ports, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanoli said on Sunday.
Speaking to CNA on the sidelines of a Christmas event in Geroskipou, Hadjimanoli was asked whether there had been any new as regards the lifting of Turkey’s embargo on Cyprus-flagged ships, an issue raised recently by the President of the Republic.
“The President of the Republic always puts on the table the lifting of the embargo on the docking of ships bearing the Cyprus flag in Turkish ports,” she said.
However, she noted that “there is no development on lifting the Turkish embargo,” adding that the ban also affects ship-management companies operating in Cyprus.
She expressed hope that a solution could eventually be found.
Despite the long-standing embargo and the challenges Cyprus has faced for many years, the Deputy Minister underlined that the country has still managed to rank among the major players in global shipping.
“Our flag is present all over the world,” she said.
Turkey imposed the embargo on Cyprus-flagged ships in 1987.
Cyprus government is expected to propose visa-facilitation measures for Turkish businesspeople in exchange for allowing Cyprus-flagged vessels access to Turkish ports. The proposal is expected to be formally submitted during Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU.