Discussions at a high level focused on bolstering bilateral trade, improving logistics systems, and sharing operational knowledge during an official delegation's visit to Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP).
At the port, APM Terminals Bahrain's managing director Matthew Luckhurst, accompanied by chief government and security affairs officer Isa Al Qetami and chief commercial officer Esra Gunduz, welcomed Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis and her delegation.
Bader Al Mahmood, Under-Secretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry, was present along with high-ranking government officials to greet the visiting Cypriot delegation.
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While touring the facility, the delegation was informed about KBSP’s sophisticated operational infrastructure, cutting-edge cargo and container handling systems, and integrated digital maritime services. The trip offered the Cypriot delegates an intimate look at the efficient port operations aimed at enhancing local supply chains and advancing Bahrain’s overall maritime trade abilities.
Essential discussions during the visit concentrated on discovering new paths for strategic collaboration between Bahrain and Cyprus. Conversations focused on exchanging industry best practices, updating port management structures, and investigating collaborative efforts to enhance overall operational effectiveness in the maritime services of both countries.
Regarding the visit, Luckhurst highlighted the vital role KBSP serves as a significant regional center that bolsters national trade and supply chain stability. He pointed out that visits from international delegations provide an essential opportunity for knowledge sharing and global collaboration among maritime leaders.
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He emphasized APM Terminals Bahrain’s strong dedication to backing government-driven efforts that create sustainable, efficient logistics systems and strengthen the kingdom’s role as a leading maritime center in the region.
Earlier, Cyprus and Bahrain aim to enhance collaboration in defence, maritime security, investment, and trade, after the inauguration of the Cypriot embassy in Manama.
Cyprus’ Ambassador to Bahrain, Andreas Eliades, informed Bahrain’s Al Watan newspaper that President Nikos Christodoulides’ official visit to the nation and the opening of the embassy had provided renewed energy to bilateral ties.
Eliades mentioned that recent events in regional security highlighted the requirement for enhanced collaboration between Europe and the Gulf nations. He mentioned Iranian assaults on Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, stating that Cyprus, while leading the Council of the European Union, had focused on fostering discussions between EU member nations and regional allies.
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While in Bahrain, Christodoulides signed nine agreements and memoranda of understanding, addressing sectors such as defence, higher education, culture, tourism, diplomatic training, and search and rescue. Eliades mentioned that Cyprus currently maintains embassies in each of the six capitals of the Gulf Cooperation Council, enhancing its role as a link between the European Union and the Gulf.