International Maritime Organisation (IMO) council session. Photo courtesy of IMO.
In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates said that the elections were held on Friday at the IMO’s headquarters in London.
The ministry emphasized that Egypt’s election to this important international position represents a new victory for the state and its diplomatic corps, and also reflects the ongoing successes of Egyptian diplomacy on the global stage.
The victory, the ministry noted, also underscores Egypt’s prestigious standing and growing international recognition, as well as the global appreciation and trust in Cairo’s pivotal role in international navigation and maritime transport.
In coordination with the Minister of Industry and Transport, the foreign ministry said it played a key role in supporting this candidacy and mobilising global support through executing a comprehensive plan in coordination with the Egyptian Embassy in London and worldwide missions over the past months.
The ministry expressed its gratitude to friendly countries that supported Egypt’s candidacy and reaffirmed its full commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities on the Council and working to develop its mechanisms during the upcoming term.
In another statement, the transport ministry said that Egypt’s victory came amid international praise for the country’s growing role in supporting global maritime transport, reflecting the international community’s confidence in Egyptian efforts to develop sea routes and ports, uphold maritime safety and security standards, and protect the environment.
Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al-Wazir, who attended the IMO's assembly, noted that the Egyptian delegation participating in the elections highlighted the country’s significant qualifications for Council membership.
The delegation, El-Wazir added, underscored Egypt’s role as a leading maritime nation, outlining its ambitious strategy in recent years for modernising existing ports, constructing new ones, and supporting regional and global trade.
The minister affirmed that this victory reflects the strong support of Egypt’s political leadership, which prioritises enhancing Egypt’s international standing across all fields.
Al-Wazir said that it also demonstrates the state’s leading position, strategic importance, and vital role in maritime transport and global trade, leveraging its geographic position at the heart of the world, and extensive sea borders along the Mediterranean and Red Seas, as well as the Suez Canal; one of the world’s most vital shipping routes.
The minister said that Egypt is currently modernising all its maritime ports with the goal of transforming them into a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade.
These combined factors, Al-Wazir emphasized, make Egypt not only an important global maritime centre but also a strong partner in realising the IMO’s vision for developing and sustaining the maritime sector.
He expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the countries that voted for Egypt, confirming the state’s ongoing active role within the IMO, contributing to the development of international maritime policies that support global trade and enhance supply chain efficiency.
According to the IMO, the “A” category includes 10 states that have the largest interest in providing international shipping services, while the “B” category includes 10 states that have the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
Meanwhile, the “C” category includes 20 states that have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.
The 40-member council is the IMO’s executive body and is responsible, under the assembly, for supervising the work of the organisation.
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