Moroccan FM meets IMO Secretary-General in Rabat

Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, met with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during his working visit to Morocco.

At the meeting, held in Rabat on Friday, Bourita shared Morocco's maritime vision. He emphasized the country's role as a leading maritime nation, with 3,500 km of coastline, and its commitment to pragmatic, forward-looking South-South cooperation, particularly through capacity-building and knowledge-sharing with African nations. Bourita also highlighted Royal initiatives aimed at making the Atlantic an area of stability, security, and prosperity.

Dominguez, in turn, acknowledged Morocco's active role within the IMO Council in advancing the organization's strategic goals, such as environmental protection, addressing climate change, and fostering technical progress and seafarer training. He also applauded Morocco’s ongoing commitment to improving maritime safety and building the capacities of African countries.

Morocco currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the IMO Council and was re-elected to the Council in Category C for a new term from 2024 to 2025 during the organization's 33rd Assembly held in London from November 27 to December 6, 2023. This marks the 16th time Morocco has been re-elected since joining the IMO in 1962, underscoring the Kingdom's credibility and commitment to the maritime sector.

The IMO Secretary-General's visit to Morocco is his first to an African or Arab country since his election in 2023. The International Maritime Organization, a specialized UN agency with 176 member states, is responsible for ensuring maritime transport safety, security, and environmental protection. The forty-member IMO Council oversees the organization's work and coordinates its activities.