Minister of Greek Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries Visits SMU

Minister of Greek Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries Visits SMU

2011-02-28

On the morning of February 26, Mr. Ioannis Diamantidis, Minister of Greek Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries, along with Ms. Maria Saranti, Consul General in Consulate General of Greece in Shanghai and Ms. Tang Guomei, Deputy Director-general of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Transport of China visited SMU. Greek delegates included Ms. Trochidou Panagiota, Director of Minister's Cabinet, Mr. Barkatsas Georgios, Director for Shipping Policy and Development as well as some 20 shipowners representatives.

Prof. Yu Shicheng, President of SMU and Prof. Jin Yongxing, Vice President of SMU warmly welcomed the guests. President Yu firstly expressed his sincere gratitude and hearty welcome to Minister Ioannis Diamantidis for his visit. He said, as large shipping countries, China and Greece had maintained a good relationship of cooperation in Ports, Marine and Maritime technology and management. Since SMU had established a partnership with world famous Greek Shipping enterprises such as COSTAMARE, SMU hoped to open a more in-depth exchange and cooperation relationship with Greece in these fields.

Minister Ioannis Diamantidis extended his thanks for the gracious hospitality from SMU. He said, as a world famous maritime university, SMU had made great contribution to training the excellent shipping talents. He hoped to build a broad platform for the cooperation between Greek Shipping Enterprises, Institutions and SMU through this visit. Both sides would strengthen exchanges, bring into play each complementary advantage and deepen pragmatic cooperation in the fields of maritime transport.

After the talk, the guests visited the Maritime Simulation Center and the Engine Room Integrated Laboratory in SMU.

During his visit in China, Minister Ioannis Diamantidis met Chinese Vice Premier Mr. Zhang Dejiang, and signed with China Ministry of Transport the "Action Plan" in the next two years under the MOU on technical cooperation in maritime affairs.