Egypt’s Ministry of Transport is set to inaugurate the Regional Office for Arab States in the Middle East and North Africa, under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), today at the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety, located at Alexandria Port.
The opening ceremony will be attended by several distinguished figures, including Eng. Kamel El-Wazir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the IMO, Maj. Gen. Nihad Shaheen, Deputy Minister of Transport for Maritime Transport, Maj. Gen. Tarek Abdullah, Head of the Maritime Transport Sector, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Huwash, Head of Alexandria Port Authority, and several ambassadors from Arab and African countries.
Key Developments and Significance
Following the opening, Minister Kamel El-Wazir will conduct a tour of the Tahya Misr Multipurpose Terminal at Alexandria Port. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to elevate Egypt’s role in the global maritime sector.
The office, which is located at the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety in Alexandria Port, was established following the signing of an agreement between Rear Admiral Hussein El-Geziry, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, and the Head of the IMO’s Technical Cooperation Division, on behalf of the Secretary-General.
Purpose of the New Regional Office
The main objective of this office is to coordinate with the IMO to implement technical cooperation activities for the Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa. This collaboration will enhance the maritime human resources in the region, enabling the creation of highly skilled professionals capable of effectively implementing the IMO’s conventions and protocols.
Egypt’s efforts to establish this office date back to 2019, and after continuous efforts and close coordination with several government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Embassy in London, the project received approval in 2022 during the 72nd session of the IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee. The decision was endorsed by the IMO Council during its 128th session.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Overview
The IMO, established in 1958, is a specialized agency of the United Nations, headquartered in London, UK. It operates five regional offices across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, the Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The organization boasts 175 member states, three associate members, and over 145 observer organizations. As the global authority on international maritime standards, the IMO is responsible for establishing regulations concerning the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
Strengthening Egypt’s Maritime Role
The establishment of the IMO’s Regional Office in Alexandria underscores Egypt’s growing importance in global maritime affairs, enhancing its strategic position as a key player in the Middle East and North Africa. This new initiative will play a vital role in enhancing the technical capabilities of the region’s maritime workforce, reinforcing Egypt’s long-standing commitment to maritime safety and environmental standards.
The opening of this office marks a significant milestone for both Egypt and the international maritime community, and it is expected to strengthen Egypt’s leadership in maritime governance and cooperation.
