The Republic of Liberia and the United Arab Emirates Delegations Hold Bilateral Meeting on the Edge of the IMO Council 134th Session
The United Arab Emirates have been a long-standing partner to Liberia on several international fronts; in areas of economic development, capacity building and technical assistance. As part of the ongoing deliberations at the International Maritime Organization headquarters in 4 Albert Embankment, London, the delegations of the two maritime nations took up time to hold a high-level meeting on the edge of the main plenary Day 3 session. The meeting was well attended with several officials representing the two member states of the IMO.
Heading the Liberian delegation, Commissioner & CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. appreciated the UAE delegation for honoring the invitation to meet and discuss issues surrounding the collaboration, coordination and cooperation for the development and improvement of systems, programs and projects in both countries, and also reaffirmed Liberia’s case to campaign once again for its seat on the IMO Council’s Category A.
According to Commissioner Lighe, the UAE’s Coast Guard and Navy were very helpful in responding to the rescue efforts as a result of the recent terrorist attack by Houthi rebels drones on the Liberian Flag vessel M/V Magic Seas on 6 July around 51 nm southwest of Al Hudayah of the coast of Yemen. In addition to the comments of Commissioner Lighe, Permanent Representative Kpadeh commended the UAE’s delegation for always working closely with Liberia in championing the cause for safety, security, and protection of the marine environment on the floor of the IMO. PM Kpadeh reminded the UAE delegation of several instances were the two countries have supported proposals in advancing a common agenda.
Responding to Commissioner Lighe, the head of the UAE’s delegation Mr. Mohamed Alkaabi Permanent Representative of UAE to IMO welcomed the gesture and asserted that the response to the SOS call was done in the spirit of reciprocity and a duty to humanity as it is expected of every member state of the IMO. Mr. Alkaabi expressed his countries willingness to always partner with Liberia in matters skewed towards the forward march of the industry and in addition announced UAE’s candidacy for a seat in Category B of the IMO Council come December of this year. Mr. Alkaabi assured Commissioner Lighe and his team that the UAE is willing to work in tandem with Liberia, and hope that in the coming weeks and months the two nations could draft a Memorandum of Understanding to guide their cooperative actions in the future.
The meeting was concluded with the sharing of gifts which is a tradition in the diplomatic cirlce, accompanied with a high-level group photo. The IMO 134th Council meeting will adjourn on Friday July 11, 2025, where the final report of the session will be approved by the Secretariat.
Source : Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization
