Link August 2017 AUGUST 2017 | Page 15

Infrastructure UAE formally submits candidacy for Category B membership of the International Maritime Organization • Membership bid submitted during IMO plenary meeting in London • HE Abdullah Belheif Al Nuaimi: The UAE’s strong reputation enables it to be a strong executive member of the IMO and an active participant in the development of new maritime laws and regulations The UAE has officially submitted its candidacy for membership into the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Category B during its participation in the organization’s General Meetings held in London. The plenary sessions, which was chaired by His Excellency (HE) Abdullah Belheif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman, Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport, discussed important and timely issues related to the maritime sector along with its global best practices. The UAE presented its candidacy during a coordination meeting organized by the Member States of the IMO, in the presence of Minister Al Nuaimi. The presentation included the contributions of the country in upgrading the maritime sector and its participation in the agreements of the international maritime system, in addition to its effective and influential role in supporting the marine sector locally, regionally and globally. IMO Member States expressed their admiration for the UAE’s bid for membership into Category B. In fact, Kitack Lim, Secretary General, IMO, lauded the distinctive features of the UAE’s maritime sector. “The UAE is actively contributing to the August 2017 15