IMO Secretary-General Visits the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Cooperation

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on October 31st 2024, further demonstrating the strong collaboration between the IMO and Saudi Arabia in maritime governance and global trade facilitation. Meeting with high-ranking officials, including His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and His Excellency Waleed El Khereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dominguez’s visit focused on strengthening cooperation to enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, and the welfare of seafarers. This engagement underscores Saudi Arabia’s expanding role as a key player in international maritime affairs, leveraging its strategic location and investments in port infrastructure to support resilient global supply chains.

The visit is part of Mr. Dominguez’s trip to the region to discuss the safety and security of maritime navigation and underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in maritime governance and its role in supporting global trade.

During his time in Riyadh, the Secretary-General’s met with H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services of Saudi Arabia, to discuss enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and the IMO. The meeting, also attended by representatives from the Saudi Navy and Coast Guard, emphasised mutual efforts to safeguard international maritime corridors and reinforce global supply chains.

The meeting focused on joint initiatives to protect the marine environment, with both parties committed to enhancing international efforts for secure sea lanes and safe maritime navigation. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance on working in line with IMO’s goals for safe and environmentally sound shipping. Discussions emphasized the welfare of seafarers, crucial for global trade, and both Saudi Arabia and the IMO agreed on the importance of improving seafarers' working conditions, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing investments in aligning with international standards.

H.E. Waleed El Khereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, also received Secretary-General Dominguez, in a meeting that explored pathways to continue to build upon the strong relationship between the Kingdom and IMO. Both parties discussed efforts concerning international maritime, trade corridors, and global supply chains. This is especially pertinent due to Saudi Arabia’s strategic position on major shipping routes, which was highlighted as a key asset in its role as a global maritime hub. The Kingdom's extensive port infrastructure and its focus on enhancing logistics capabilities have strengthened its position as a critical node in international supply chains. These investments support uninterrupted global trade flows, bolstering the resilience of maritime logistics.

Both meetings were attended by H.E. Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the General Transport Authority. H.E. Dr. Al-Rumaih’s presence underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering collaboration with the IMO, supporting maritime safety, enhancing infrastructure and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global trade routes.

This engagement follows previous dialogues with senior Saudi officials, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to maritime cooperation and regional stability. The partnership between Saudi Arabia and the IMO on issues relating to security and sustainability further underscores the Kingdom as a leader in international maritime affairs. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to protect maritime trade corridors and its support for the seafaring workforce showcase a forward-looking approach that aligns with global priorities.