Riyadh, November 3, 2024 — Today, Saudi Arabia took a strategic step toward enhancing its global maritime partnerships, as Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority (TGA), Saleh Al-Jasser, hosted discussions with Arsenio Dominguez Velasco, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The meeting in Riyadh highlighted mutual commitments to bolstering maritime security, ensuring sustainable development, and aligning with international efforts to protect critical maritime routes.
The dialogue marked a significant moment in the IMO Secretary General’s visit to Riyadh, reflecting Saudi Arabia's steadfast commitment to advancing the objectives of the IMO. Both leaders engaged in an in-depth discussion, emphasizing how Saudi Arabia is positioned as a vital contributor to the IMO’s projects, particularly those focused on maritime safety and sustainability. Saudi Arabia’s adherence to IMO treaties was underscored, reaffirming its dedication to facilitating safe navigation for vessels transiting international shipping lanes.
In his remarks, Secretary General Dominguez Velasco acknowledged Saudi Arabia's proactive measures in the maritime transport sector, noting the Kingdom’s consistent alignment with global standards and its efforts to foster a resilient and forward-looking maritime industry. He praised Saudi Arabia's active engagement with the IMO, highlighting its participation in initiatives, events, and knowledge exchange programs aimed at strengthening international cooperation. Dominguez Velasco lauded the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to exchange expertise with fellow IMO member states, emphasizing the global importance of Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing maritime safety and sustainability.
The meeting was attended by a distinguished group of officials, including the Vice Minister of Transport and President-designate of the Transport General Authority, Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, along with representatives from various relevant authorities, underscoring the high-level focus Saudi Arabia places on its international maritime obligations.
This engagement reflects Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 goals, aiming to enhance the Kingdom’s role in global trade and logistics while prioritizing environmental stewardship and regional security. The meeting not only reinforced Saudi Arabia’s position within the IMO but also emphasized its dedication to future-oriented cooperation, cementing its commitment to a safe, sustainable, and robust maritime transport sector.