Strengthening Maritime Ties: Morocco and the International Maritime Organization

Friday 18 October 2024 - 14:12

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), during his working visit to Morocco. This meeting, held in Rabat, underscored Morocco's commitment to enhancing its maritime vision, guided by the strategic insights of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Bourita articulated Morocco's ambition to emerge as a leading maritime nation, leveraging its extensive 3,500 kilometers of coastline. He emphasized the importance of fostering South-South cooperation that is pragmatic and future-oriented, focusing on capacity building and the exchange of best practices among African nations. The Minister also highlighted royal initiatives aimed at transforming the Atlantic into a zone of stability, security, and prosperity.

Dominguez praised the King's enlightened vision for promoting South-South cooperation and acknowledged Morocco's proactive role within the IMO Council. He noted the Kingdom's contributions to the organization's strategies in critical areas such as environmental protection, climate change, technical advancements, and maritime training.

Morocco currently holds the position of Vice-President of the IMO Council and has been re-elected to the Council in Category C for the 2024-2025 term. This marks the 16th time since its membership began in 1962, reflecting the Kingdom's credibility and dedication to maritime sector development.

Dominguez's visit is particularly noteworthy as it is the first of its kind to an African and Arab nation since his election in 2023. The IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations with 176 member states, is tasked with ensuring maritime safety and security while preventing marine pollution. The Council, composed of forty members, oversees the organization's operations and coordinates its activities.

This meeting not only reinforces Morocco's maritime ambitions but also sets the stage for deeper collaboration with the IMO, aiming to enhance maritime security and develop the capabilities of African nations.