Saudi Arabia and UAE elected to UN's Maritime Organisation

London: Saudi Arabia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, got elected to the council of the United Nation's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in an election that took place at its 32nd general assembly, Arab News reports. IMO is responsible for the safety, security and pollution control of international shipping.

Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the IMO, Essam Al-Ammari, told Arab News that his nation would work with the organisation to support issues faced by seafarers. The Kingdom will initiate and promote projects to support climate mitigation and international cooperation, he said.

He further said that the Kingdom plans to tackle the rising inequality between IMO member states while assisting developed countries and small island developing nations towards their economic recovery.

Saudi also intends to invest in greener technologies to reduce the environmental impacts of shipping. He added that Saudi pledged to offer world-class training to nations that face modern-day piracy.

Saudi Arabia has been an active supporter of the IMO since it joined in 1969 as it is a maritime nation bordering two major waterways. It actively participates in IMO council meetings, general assembly, main committees and working groups. It has ratified 40 international conventions and protocols of the IMO.

In September, IMO has signed three partnership agreements with Saudi to support the preparation of a new goal project to target ship-based emissions. Also, the Kingdom is funding existing projects focused on biofouling and marine plastic litter.

The IMO was established in 1948 through a convention adopted with the UN's patronage in Geneva. The organisation is headquartered in London, and India is among its 175 member states.