“Italy was once again the most voted nation in the Council of the International Maritime Organization (Imo), obtaining 155 votes, on par with China, two years after the previous success”.
This was reported in a note by the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi: “This result underscores the centrality of our country in the maritime industry, in international maritime cooperation, in navigation safety, and in the protection of the marine environment. The Imo, a key executive body for the management of global maritime policies, continues to see Italy as a protagonist, alongside countries such as the USA, the UK, Japan, and Greece. The re-confirmation strengthens our country’s role as a leader in promoting the blue economy”.
Russia failed to obtain enough votes to re-enter the governing council of the United Nations maritime agency, despite urging countries to support its candidacy for a seat lost in 2023. Moscow has been a member of the Imo since 1958 and had been consistently re-elected to the Imo Council before 2023. Russia was among the 48 countries competing for 40 seats for a two-year term on the council that oversees the body’s work. It was the only candidacy rejected among the 10 states with the greatest interest in international shipping services, including the United States and China.
Italy’s appointment was welcomed by Assarmatori: “A success that rewards the work carried out in recent years, the credibility and professionalism demonstrated by our representatives on the Council, and which once again underscores Italy’s leading role on the international maritime chessboard. A special thanks goes to Ambassador Inigo Lambertini for the exceptional diplomatic work carried out by the Permanent Representation of Italy in London”.
