• Signing takes place on sidelines of IMO’s 31st General Assembly Meeting
• Agreement focuses on stronger technical cooperation between two parties

UAE, 28 November 2019 – The Federal Transport Authority (FTA) - Land & Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to strengthen their technical cooperation in the global maritime domain. The MoU signing was held on the sidelines of IMO’s 31st General Assembly Meeting in London.

The latest MoU is part of FTA’s efforts to help reinforce the international maritime community and create a safe and sustainable global maritime society. Part of the Authority’s endeavors include close collaboration with various concerned maritime entities and implementation of the highest standards, conventions, and protocols.  Under the MoU, the FTA will leverage the IMO’s expertise as a specialized agency of the United Nations to help boost the local maritime community. The IMO is responsible for setting global safety and security standards, facilitating international maritime transport, and preventing pollution caused by ships, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

H.E Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the FTA, reaffirmed UAE’s commitment to promoting the maritime sector via key port development projects, maritime training and education, and capacity building. The country has also made contributions to the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Program Fund for the benefit of all IMO member states.

H.E. Al Nuaimi added: “Since joining the IMO, the UAE has been actively contributing to the international maritime sector as well as coordinating with concerned entities and other IMO member states to achieve a safe and sustainable maritime society. The country is also keen to uphold all relevant international conventions, protocols, and agreements, including the recently signed MoU.  This agreement further adds value to the UAE’s initiatives to provide support to the global maritime sector and help reinforce the international maritime system. Without a doubt, the MoU is a great step towards boosting the UAE’s bid to win again the IMO’s Category B Membership.