London
The State of Qatar has won a Category C membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in the elections held during the 32nd Session of the IMO Assembly at IMO headquarters in London. The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization. The Council is made up of 40 Member States.
Member States lauded the capabilities of the State of Qatar to perform an effective role to enhance the work of the global maritime system and to contribute to stimulating global maritime trade.
Qatar recorded good results amongst all the candidacies alongside 40 IMO Council Member States.
On this occasion, Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti said that Qatar winning the IMO Council membership affirms Qatar’s ranking and appreciation at international forums and organizations at regional and international levels under the leadership of The Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and also reflects Member States’ trust in the amount of work Qatar is doing with regard to maritime navigation’s safety and security and marine environment protection and which receive a close attention and unlimited support from HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani.
HE the Minister voiced his appreciation for brotherly and friendly Member States’ trust and backing of Qatar’s candidacy. He also praised the big efforts made by the work team to achieve that success, which reflected meanings of indivisibility and interdependence between government and private sectors to raise the name of Qatar at international fora, on top of them are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the maritime authority, Qatar’s commercial, industrial and tourist ports and private sector’s maritime transportation companies.
Qatar’s presence in the IMO Council, he said, will enhance the efforts that aim at developing global regulations and laws in maritime navigation realm, thus supporting the growth of world trade.
HE the Minister also emphasized making all efforts that support IMO’s plans and programs to achieve its objectives and principles, in addition to continuing to carrying out several national projects to keep pace with all developments in maritime transportation and shipping industry, which is one of the world’s most advanced industries.