Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita held talks with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), during his official visit to Rabat, to discuss the kingdom’s significant role in maritime affairs and the broader vision for South-South cooperation and regional security.
Bourita presented Morocco’s maritime strategy, highlighting the country’s status as a major maritime nation in the region, with a coastline extending over 3,500 kilometers.
The country’s forward-looking approach involves building capacity, sharing best practices, and promoting cooperation with African countries, particularly through pragmatic, results-oriented South-South cooperation.
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to make the Atlantic a hub of stability, security, and prosperity.
Secretary-General Dominguez applauded Morocco’s leadership under King Mohammed VI, particularly in advancing South-South cooperation.
He commended Morocco’s active involvement in the IMO Council, highlighting its pivotal role in driving the organization’s strategy across key areas such as environmental protection, climate change, technological advancement, and seafarer training.
Morocco currently holds the position of Vice-President of the IMO Council and was recently re-elected to the Council’s “Category C” for the 2024-2025 term.
The election marks the 16th time Morocco has served in this position since joining the IMO in 1962. The re-election took place at the 33rd IMO Assembly, held in London, in 2023.
The IMO Secretary-General’s visit is particularly significant as it is his first official trip to an African and Arab country since his election in 2023.
The International Maritime Organization, a specialized United Nations agency, is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of maritime transport and preventing pollution from ships. The IMO Council is made up of 40 member states and plays a key role in overseeing the organization’s operations and coordinating its activities.