UAE seeks to secure a top seat on UN maritime body
With just days to go until voting takes place to decide which countries will secure seats on a select decision-making body of the International Maritime Organisation, the UAE has reiterated its “highly competitive advantages” that make it a strong candidate for the role.
The UAE is the only Arab country among the 12 countries seeking 10 seats on one of the executive councils of the IMO, known as Category B.
Other countries include Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, France and Australia, with voting taking place on Friday.
The IMO, an agency of the United Nations, is a global authority that sets standards for maritime security.
Speaking during the 30th ordinary general assembly of the IMO in London on Monday, Dr Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and chairman of the board of directors of the Federal Transport Authority, expressed the UAE’s commitment to providing an ideal environment to further drive the growth of multinational marine companies, supported by its strategic geographic location along some of the busiest trade routes in the world.
“The UAE deserves to be an IMO Category B member, given its track record of leadership and excellence in developing world-class ports,” Dr Al Nuaimi said.
“The UAE’s highly competitive advantages in marine shipping are enhanced thanks largely to the guidance and unlimited support of the wise leadership to develop an integrated infrastructure and advanced world-class logistics facilities,” he said.
The UAE has been a member of the IMO since 1980 and, as Dr Al Nuaimi pointed out, it has signed more than 25 co-operation agreements in maritime fields, which reflect its commitment to shaping the future of the sector.
“As one of the fastest-growing maritime hubs in the world, the UAE seeks to add value to global trade and international maritime transport. It is committed to promoting the international maritime system and developing and implementing the standards governing maritime transport policy and regulation,” he said.
The UAE, he said, will support education projects and training initiatives under the umbrella of the IMO, while on the environmental side, the country is taking a leading role in initiatives to develop environmentally friendly ports and ships.
In a separate gathering yesterday, also in London, delegates heard more about the UAE’s many achievements in the maritime sector that support its candidature.
By numbers: Abu Dhabi Ports handles more than 25,000 ships a year and provides a GDP of US$17 billion (Dh62.4bn) in non-oil revenue to the economy; DP World manages and operates 77 container terminals in 40 countries; and the UAE is third globally in maritime infrastructure quality.
Showcasing these capabilities, Dr Abdullah Salem Al Kathiri, the director general of the Federal Authority for Land and Marine Transport, said that there was no doubting the “tremendous achievements of the UAE maritime sector”.
“The UAE has always believed in the importance of international co-operation,” he said. “Council membership is both a privilege and a very heavy responsibility.
“Should we have the privilege of being elected to the council for the term 2018-19, the Government of the UAE is fully committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of a council member.”
The International Maritime Organisation, an agency of the UN, sets global standards for maritime security