PHILIPPINES REDEEMS SEAT IN IMO COUNCIL

(From Philippine Star)

Manila, Philippines  -  The Philippines was re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under Category "C", the Department of Foreign Affairs reported today.

 

Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Philippine Permanent Representative in London, said the re-election of the Philippines demonstrated the high-regard of the 170-member UN organization.

 

It also recognized the country's status as the primary provider of seafarers around the globe.

 

The Philippines was first elected to the IMO Council in 1997 and has since been re-elected under Category "C" where 20 governments representing all major geographical areas of the world have special interest in maritime transport and navigation.

 

Elected together with the Philippines were Australia, the Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey.

 

Ten governments are elected each under Category "A" and "B". State with high interest in international shipping services like Greece, Japan and the United States were elected under Category "A" while those with largest interest in international seaborne trade like Germany, Brazil and France were elected under Category "B".

 

IMO is a UN specialized agency responsible for ensuring maritime safety and security and protecting the marine environment. The Council is the Executive Organ of IMO and is responsible for supervising the work of the Organization. - Jlyne Ubina