• Amendments receiving the green light by the Kingdom were adopted at the 32nd session of the IMO assembly
• Number of member states of the IMO Council will increase from 40 to 52, and the term of council membership will be extended from two to four years

Arab News

The amendments to receive the green light by the Kingdom were adopted at the 32nd session of the IMO assembly, and approved by the Council of Ministers.

As a result, the number of member states of the IMO Council will increase from 40 to 52, and the term of council membership will be extended from two to four years.

Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al-Yabis, representing the Kingdom, met Kitack Lim, secretary-general of the IMO, in London to ratify the agreement and discuss future plans, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Yabis said that the step was an important one and emphasized the Kingdom’s enthusiasm to contribute to achieving the goals of the IMO in line with the objectives of the national strategy for transport and logistics services, and in a way that helped achieve the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

She added that the efforts were indicative of Saudi initiatives in support of the maritime sector, which were consistent with international moves toward benefiting the global economy and helping the worldwide movement of trade.

Saudi Arabia is the 14th member state of the organization, and has ratified 40 international conventions and protocols of the IMO. It has been an active supporter of the IMO since joining in 1969.

The Kingdom is engaged with IMO initiatives concerning climate, international cooperation, and support structures for seafarers.

It has provided support for maritime employees by creating initiatives for education, woman empowerment, and safety.