Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport Submits IMSO Accession Documents to IMO

 

LONDON – 28/11/2025 – Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Mr. Abdulqadir Mohamed Noor, participated in the 34th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, where he held a key meeting with IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez.

During the meeting, Minister Noor formally handed over Somalia’s accession documents to the IMSO agreement, marking a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, manage sea lanes, and enhance international cooperation in maritime affairs.

The meeting was attended by the Manager of Mogadishu Port, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Noor (USA), and Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Abdulqadir Abdi Hashi, who participated in discussions on advancing Somalia’s role in global maritime governance.

Minister Noor emphasized that Somalia’s participation in IMSO provides an important opportunity to enhance the country’s maritime security, modernize national maritime institutions, and establish robust laws and regulations to safeguard the nation’s coastlines and marine resources. He further highlighted the importance of Somalia’s active involvement in international maritime collaboration to strengthen its position in global maritime systems.

The IMSO agreement is expected to open new opportunities for Somalia in maritime governance, including improving the management of critical sea lanes, boosting Somalia’s capacity to enforce maritime law, and accessing technical assistance and modern training programs for maritime staff to ensure efficient and internationally compliant operations.

Moreover, the meeting offered a platform to reinforce Somalia’s partnerships with international maritime agencies, focusing on preventing maritime crimes, protecting marine environments, and enhancing the country’s maritime trade. These efforts are aimed at increasing Somalia’s influence and participation in international maritime forums, positioning the country as a proactive player in regional and global maritime security.

The 34th IMO Assembly in London marks a historic step for Somalia, paving the way for modernized maritime administration and enhanced international cooperation. By officially joining IMSO, Somalia signals its commitment to improving maritime security, boosting economic development, and engaging more effectively with international partners in maritime governance.

With this accession, Somalia is set to benefit from knowledge sharing, capacity building, and international technical support to modernize its ports and strengthen maritime law enforcement. This development not only secures the nation’s coastline but also enhances trade opportunities, contributing to broader national economic growth.

The Somali government’s active participation in IMSO demonstrates a commitment to aligning with global maritime standards and ensuring that Somalia’s seas and coasts are managed sustainably and securely.