(The Bulletin Panama) Panama was reelected in category “A” of the Council of the International Maritime Organization, (IMO) at the XXVII General Assembly of this organization in London, England.
During the election process, the Panamanian vote was upheld by the administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) Roberto Linares.
Of the 170 countries of the IMO, only 10 are in the select group of category A, considered the world’s 10 maritime powers.
The Panamanian official delegation was headed by Administrator Linares and included the Ambassador of Panama in London, Ana Irene Delgado and the director of the Panama Merchant Marine, Alfonso Castillero.
A statement from the AMP notes that “the success of this election reaffirms the leadership of Panama whose flag has more than 9,000 registered vessels”.
“This has been the result of a major international diplomatic effort and constant contact with our customers and members of the IMO, which leads us to continue this aspiration of remaining in this distinguished category,” said Linares.
The Panamanian delegation had the opportunity to meet with the outgoing Secretary General of the IMO, Efthimios Mitropoulos and the new Secretary General, who takes office in January, Koji Sekimuzu. Both expressed their congratulations to Panama for this achievement, and a willingness to continue working with the leading flag country.
“This election poses a major challenge as we face the future of the maritime industry and we will work harder for the good of Panama and all of our users,” said Linares.
Besides Panama, members of category A are China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Category B includes Germany, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Spain, France, Holland, India and Sweden.
Category C is made up by Morocco, Cyprus, Jamaica, Liberia, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.