[ad_1]
Liberia made a triumphant return to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) top tier, winning 132 votes at the 33rd World Maritime Council on Friday and being elected to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) “Category A.”rd Congressional Session.
Liberia was last elected to the council’s ‘Category C’ in 2011, after dropping out in 1995 and making two unsuccessful attempts to return to ‘Category A’ in 2007 and 2009.
However, Liberia lost its “Category C” status in 2019. The Liberian government then made an informed policy decision to seek participation in the category appropriate to its status in global maritime trade and governance.
This decision was based on feedback from the majority of Member States who argued that ‘Category C’ is not the rightful place for Liberia, and that ‘Category A’ is instead the IMO Convention Article 17(a). ) claimed that “Category A” was representative of “the 10 Member States.” We are most interested in providing international shipping services. ”
Addressing delegates at a reception held to strengthen Liberia’s case at the IMO headquarters in London, the Deputy Foreign Minister, Cllr. Du Gray, said Liberia is not only a strategic partner at the forefront of global maritime issues. He said Liberia had an extensive role to play in promoting IMO ideals.
With 300 miles of pristine coastline, Liberia operates four ports that facilitate global maritime trade.
She said these ports have enabled Liberia to supply global markets with goods such as cocoa, iron ore, rubber and timber.
Minister Gray emphasized that Liberia has been committed to the IMO since its establishment in 1959 and has consistently been one of the largest contributors to the IMO’s budget.
The Minister recalls that the Liberian shipping flag is currently number one in the world with over 5,000 vessels and a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of over 200 million.
The Liberian Registry is also whitelisted for all major MOUs, including the Paris and Tokyo MOUs. The registry is reputed to have high international standards as specified by the IMO.
Liberia is home to one of the five IMO Regional Search and Rescue Centers in Africa. The Monrovia Regional Coordination Center covers: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone.
Liberia therefore ensures that security is a key element in promoting sustainable maritime trade. The Minister also indicated that Monrovia Freeport meets the international safety compliance standards of the ISPS Code 2004 and the safety standards of the United States Coast Guard.
The Liberian Maritime Training Institute equips a new generation of seafarers with first-class skills to meet the demand for trained personnel in the global maritime trade. Liberia is also the director and patron of the Regional Maritime College in Accra, Ghana.
The ratification of key IMO instruments further demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to IMO’s objectives and goals. Liberia and Bangladesh recently amended the Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling in June this year. Therefore, the entry into force requirement is met.
Most importantly, Liberia’s continued commitment to the IMO is underlined by the presence of the IMO Mission in London, which actively participates in all IMO meetings, he said. .
Additionally, the landmark IMO 2023 GHG Strategy on Reducing CO2 Emissions in Shipping at MEPC80 in July this year was delivered under the capable leadership of Liberia through its IMO Permanent Representative, MEPC Chair Dr. Harry Conway. It was formulated in
He said further evidence of Liberia’s commitment to IMO was the election of Dr. Conway as Chair of the Second Committee responsible for technical issues for 33 countries and territories.rd Congressional Session.
Internationally acclaimed Liberian music icon Miatta Fernbulle also entertained the gathering with a spectacular performance.
The ceremony also showcased a variety of Liberian-made products highlighting the importance of local manufacturing.
Len Eugene Nagbe, Director General of the Liberian Maritime Authority (LiMA), submitted Liberia’s Expression of Interest to the IMO Secretary-General earlier this year, stating: role in the sector that would result in a permanent position reflecting that position.
In a presentation to the IMO Secretary-General in February this year, Liberia’s appointed ambassador to London, Madam Gurley T. Gibson-Schwartz, spoke of Liberia’s “progressive” history at the IMO and her commitment to the organization’s growth and development. He emphasized IMO’s diverse contributions.
He noted that the existence of “Category A” in the IMO represents an important objective, which is commensurate with Liberia’s status. He believed this would also ensure a more strategic contribution from Liberia.
Outgoing International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitak Lim also praised Liberia’s role and important contribution to IMO and the maritime industry over the years.
Additionally, Liberia will meet its first Executive Board meeting since its election as an IMO member state on 7 December 2023, with Ambassador Garry Gibson-Schwartz and Her Excellency representing the country. Mr. Harry Conway, Acting Permanent Representative and Chairman of the MEPC.
[ad_2]
Source link
