The UAE has won for the second time the membership of the IMO Council in the category "B" in a remarkable global achievement after strong competition with 10 of the leading countries in the field of international maritime trade, led by Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, France and Australia.
The UAE was declared the winner at the 31st Ordinary General Meeting of the organization held in London amid an international tribute to the competitive advantages and qualities that qualify the UAE to play a pivotal and influential role in advancing the international maritime system and driving the growth of global maritime trade.
The Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi said that the UAE's membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) board in category "B" reflects the State's efforts to consolidate its position on the international maritime map and constitutes a new addition. He pointed out that this win provides an opportunity for the UAE to continue contributing to the development of international laws and regulations that will develop global trade, transport and international shipping.
On this occasion, His Highness congratulated His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, appreciating their continued support to enhance the UAE's position at all levels and in all fields, especially the maritime sector, which plays an important role in the economic development of the UAE and praised this global achievement which reaffirms the UAE's merit as a leading maritime center and influential force. And a strong competitor on the international maritime map.
He pointed out that the UAE's re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Board in category "B" did not come from a vacuum but was based on the state's advanced capabilities and competitive advantages that made it worthy to achieve this victory.
He also praised the support of brotherly and friendly countries for the candidacy, praising the hard work and efforts exerted by the supporting team for the candidacy file, which constituted a true embodiment of the effective efforts between the public and private sectors to raise the state's affairs globally.
He extended his thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ports, local maritime authorities and the team for their tireless efforts and valuable contributions that had the greatest impact in achieving the historic victory.
He stressed that the UAE will continue its pivotal role to strengthen the global maritime sector and the development of international trade and the international economy and will work to expand the scope of projects to develop and expand local ports with a total investment of about 157 billion dirhams in the coming years with a focus on transferring its leading experience in the management and operation of 77 ports In the world, including vital ports in the USA and Europe. "