OREANDA-NEWS. September 14, 2011. Ukraine and Cyprus will set Joint marine committee within the limits of which issues of bilateral and international sea transportations will be considered. Signing of the appropriating cooperation agreement between the governments of the states is approved by the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On signing the Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus Maritime".

The draft agreement provides settlement of such issues of cooperation between Ukraine and Cyprus as service of courts of the states in ports, a mutual recognition of courts documents and certificates of persons of seamen of agreeing sides, employment of seamen, interoperability of the states in cause of disaster, etc. In particular, it is defined by positions of the Agreement that Cyprus guarantees to the Ukrainian courts in the ports the same attitude, as well as to courts under the national colours. It concerns issues of easy access to ports, use of port means for loading and unloading of cargoes, landing of passengers, realization of usual commercial operations and using all services for navigation. Besides the same principle operates and concerning payment of port takings and payments. Ukraine assumes similar obligations concerning courts of Cyprus.

At the same time, the parties undertake, in accordance with its national legislation, all possible measures to reduce the time spent by vessels in the ports and simplifications of administrative and other formalities in ports.

Agreement provides mutual recognition by Ukraine and Cyprus issued or recognized by the courts of documents, including documents relating to the courts’ crew.

For the effective implementation of the Agreement and the promotion of maritime transport between the territories of Ukraine and Cyprus, parties will create Joint marine committee, to which will be address issues of bilateral and international shipping, will be studied ways of improving maritime cooperation, etc.