LONDON: Pakistan Minister of Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi has commended his team for efforts for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) council seat.
In a tweet, said, “We didn’t make it this time, but it was a great opportunity to open maritime avenues with other nations. I want to praise my team for standing up. Prime Minister Imran Khan has taught us a simple lesson: you only win and lose if you compete!”
Pakistan was contesting for the IMO HQ council seat after 30 years. Ali Haider Zaidi is leading the Pakistan delegation at the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly, the organization’s highest decision-making body being held in London from December 6-15, 2021. He met with a number of diplomats and foreign officials.
Earlier, Qatar Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al-Sulaiti met with Ali Haider Zaidi. The two ministers discussed enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries in the fields of maritime transportation and harbors. The ministers also decided to keep in close contact and develop new avenues to build strong maritime cooperation between the brotherly countries. The meeting was also attended by the Director of International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, and Acting Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the UK, Mohammed Abdullah Al-Jaber.
Meanwhile, Maldivian Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation Ms Aishath Nahulla called on Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Haider Zaidi and assured him of her country’s full support for the IMO council elections. The possibility of setting up a cruise line service between Pakistan and Maldives was also discussed in the meeting.
Ali Haider Zaidi also held a detailed discussion with Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Minister of Transport of Malaysia, on the sidelines of the 32nd IMO Convention in London. During his hectic schedule, he also met with Robert Courts, Britain Minister for Aviation, Maritime & Security DfT, in Great Minster House. Both ministers agreed to enhance trade and open new avenues for maritime cooperation between Pakistan and the UK.
Ali Haider Zaidi held a meeting with IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim, at the IMO HQs. Mr Lim appreciated Pakistan’s contribution to the maritime sector. Ali Zaidi also held a video conference with United States Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Ms. Erica Barks-Ruggles, to seek US support for Pakistan’s candidature for the elections.
Earlier, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Kitack Lim attended a reception hosted by Ali Zaidi. In his address, he highlighted Pakistan’s contribution and emphasised on cooperation between maritime nations for mutual progress.
The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and address pollution from ships. It currently has 175 members. With the bulk of its trade being conducted through the sea, Pakistan has been an active member of the organization since 1958.