Muscat – The agreements were signed on behalf of Oman by His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and on behalf of Cyprus by Her Excellency Marina Hadjimanolis, Deputy Shipping Minister.

The first MoU focuses on strengthening cooperation in maritime affairs, with an emphasis on adhering to national and international laws while promoting mutual benefits, freedom of navigation, and the use of modern technologies. The two nations plan to work together to improve maritime safety and security, reduce pollution from ships, address ship registration challenges, combat piracy, and tackle the impacts of climate change, including reducing carbon emissions from maritime transport.

The second MoU formalises the mutual recognition of maritime certificates between the two countries, in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and its amendments. This recognition will ensure that seafarers, including masters, officers, and radio operators, are trained and evaluated according to internationally recognized standards, ensuring efficiency and safety across the maritime industry.

The agreements come within the framework of joint efforts to enhance integration in the maritime transport sector, in a way that achieves the strategic interests of the two countries.