At IMO 34th Assembly: Deputy Foreign Minister Reechoes Liberia’s Commitment to Safety and Environmental Protection

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Liberia’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, His Excellency Dr. Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei has reiterated Liberia’s dedication and commitment to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) fundamental obligations.

Speaking at the 34th Assembly Session of the IMO currently ongoing in London, Deputy Minister Nyei reaffirmed that Liberia remained unwavering in its commitment in standing shoulder-to-shoulder with IMO to ensure organization execute its mandate which is to provide safety, security and environmental protection.

Deputy Minister Nyei also catalog several noteworthy milestone achievements as evidence of Liberia’s commitment to IMO, highlighting Liberia position as one of the highest benefactors to the organization operational budget for a decade and half.

“Distinguished delegates, Liberia’s dedication and commitment to the IMO’s core mandates of safety, security and environmental protection remain unwavering and continue to grow from strength to strength. Liberia continues to demonstrate this through its financial support, as the one of the highest contributors to the IMO’s operational budget over the past 15 years, and active participation in the various structures of the organization, such as the committees and working groups,” Deputy Minister Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei intoned. 

Deputy Minster Nyei reminded the gathering of international delegates that Liberia continues to display remarkable leadership ability in the IMO referencing Liberia Chairmanship of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) during which time the IMO 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy was unanimously adopted by Member States of the IMO at the 80th session of MEPC.

He added that Liberia also chaired Technical Committee of the 33rd Assembly session of the IMO in 2023 framing that Liberia’s leadership and commitment led to the entry-into-force of the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.

Deputy Minister Nyei adds: “Liberia also acceded to the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 immediately following its adoption by the International Labour Organization. This further affirms our commitment to the fair treatment and welfare of seafarers globally”.

He emphases  that Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry, has been actively participating in innovative ship-design-joint-industry-projects (JIPs) with specialized focus on innovative design features, new technologies and alternative fuels to advance the greening of shipping internationally, especially on Liberian-flagged vessels.

Highlighting Liberia’s contribution to maritime security, Deputy Minister Nyei pointed out that Liberia is signatory to the 2013 Yaoundé Code of Conduct which aims to fight piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.

He maintained that Liberia will continue cultivate collaboration with countries within the region to ensure important international shipping paths are safe and secure from piracy.

Deputy Minister Nyei told the gathering of nearly two hundred delegates from IMO countries that Liberia Coast Guard in collaboration with the Sierra Leonean government and the French Navy service successfully rescued a fishing vessel within Liberia’s territorial waters after it was high jacked by pirates within Sierra Leone’s territorial in 2023.

On maritime education and training, Deputy Minister Nyei highlighted that Liberia is currently a member on the Board of the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana, and also a significant benefactor of the Regional Maritime University while adding that Liberia have invested immensely to develop national capabilities the maritime sector.

“We shall continue to meet our financial obligations to ensure the provision of quality maritime education and training to seafarers from the continent of Africa, for global shipping,” Dr. Nyei stated.

He underscored that the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has boosted its capacity through a five-year strategic program for the resources and capacity needed to harness Liberia’s blue economy potentials, contribute to environmental sustainability and improve maritime safety.

Dr. Nyei also heralded the Liberia Marine Training Institute as a post-conflict success story that is currently graduating trained seafarers for deployment on international vessels.

The Liberia’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration the assured the gathering of IMO member countries of Liberia’s cooperation in advancing international regulation for the safety of ocean while at the same time attributing Liberia’s milestone in the maritime sector to its Category A membership of the IMO Council.

“Madam President, distinguished delegates, I wish to assure you of Liberia’s fullest cooperation and support as we work collaboratively to advance international regulations to keep our seas and oceans safe and secure, and environmentally credible, while facilitating international trade,” he said.

Madam President, Liberia has achieved all of this because of the support and cooperation we have received as a member of Council in Category A; and as an active member of the IMO. We therefore count on you again to support our re-election to the IMO Council,” Dr. Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration.

The 34th Session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization is a significant event in maritime governance currently ongoing in London from Monday, November 24, 2025 to Wednesday, December 3, 2026

The session is the highest body of IMO, responsible for approving the work program, budget, and determining financial arrangements of the organization. The session also elects the Council and adopts resolutions from IMO Committees.