Malta re-elected council member of the International Maritime Organisation

Malta was re-elected on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council during the elections held yesterday at the IMO Headquarters in London.

Malta garnered the fourth highest number of votes in the elections, the Transport Ministry said.

The IMO Council is the executive organ that oversees the work of the Organisation. The 40 member states making up the Council were elected from among 170 member states.

Earlier this week, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi addressed the 28^th session of the IMO Assembly.

Described by the government as "a former seafarer", the transport ministry said Mizzi paid tribute to the IMO and its member States "for their unstinted dedication and collective work to promote, inter alia, safety of life at sea, the protection of the marine environment and the welfare of seafarers".

This is also possible because of the continued support of the shipping community, including ship-owners and operators, Mizzi said.

Mizzi reiterated government's support to IMO.

"Shipping is a global industry and it is Malta's firm belief that it is IMO that can and will continue to ensure that the delicate balance of practicality and effectiveness is sustained globally," Mizzi said. "This is best achieved through a concerted international action undertaken in consonance with a global policy formulated here, and directed from this Organisation."

Mizzi also referred to the issue of persons rescued at sea. He said that the international community cannot sit back and watch as a large number of men, women and children who perish, both on land and at sea, in pursuit of a better life for their families and themselves.

"Whilst Malta recognizes that this is a complex issue, most of which falls outside the remit of IMO but, as a UN body, IMO has the duty to press this issue in other UN bodies and to address the part that falls within its remit," he said.

"Malta, like its neighbouring States, will not shy away from its responsibilities but expects the issue to be completely addressed at its root and the burdens to be equally shared."

Mizzi concluded by expressing sentiments of sympathy and support to the Government of people of the Philippines in particular to the seafarers and their families affected by the recent calamity they had to face.