London: Transport Minister Meets with IMO SG Held on the sidelines of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly currently underway in the UK capital, the meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation in maritime safety, security, and sustainability.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the talks took place in the presence of Morocco’s Ambassador to the UK, Hakim Hajoui. They addressed key challenges facing the maritime sector, including combating marine pollution, decarbonizing transport, and enhancing capacity-building and technical assistance for states.

On this occasion, Kayouh reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to working alongside the IMO to promote a safer, cleaner, and more efficient maritime sector. He also commended the organization’s initiatives to support member states in implementing international conventions and energy-transition strategies.

For his part, the IMO Secretary-General underscored the importance of the partnership with Morocco in advancing regional cooperation across Africa, highlighting the Kingdom’s leadership and its pivotal role as a bridge between Africa and the Mediterranean. He also praised the initiative launched under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen their cooperation and maintain continuous dialogue to support the sustainable development of the maritime sector. In a statement to MAP following the meeting, Kayouh welcomed the opportunity to highlight Morocco’s leadership in maritime transport in general, and in cooperation with West African countries in particular, in line with the Enlightened Vision of His Majesty the King.

Talks also covered the establishment of an IMO coordination center in Morocco, notably in the context of the Royal Initiative to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, the minister added. They also addressed training, maritime safety, and the creation of a monitoring center between Tan Tan and Dakhla.