The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has officially opened its Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in Alexandria, Egypt, a city with a deep maritime heritage. 

The launch of the office highlights the IMO’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and capacity-building in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.  

The MENA region is central to global maritime trade and continues to play a key role in supporting the sector’s growth. 

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez was joined by high-level dignitaries at the event, including Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, His Excellency Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, who represented the Egyptian government. 

Dominguez said, “This Regional Presence Office is a testament to our commitment to bring IMO closer to the regions.”  

He added that “It will serve as a bridge, addressing regional maritime challenges and ensuring that the voices and needs of MENA countries are heard on the global stage.” 

The new office will focus on advancing the IMO’s technical cooperation efforts in the region, with particular attention on improving maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability.  

It will also play a key role in facilitating dialogue and delivering tailored solutions to the region’s unique maritime challenges. 

His Excellency Kamel Al-Wazir added “This achievement reflects the trust IMO places in Egypt and reinforces its strategic position in the maritime transport sector, both regionally and internationally. It reaffirms Egypt’s leadership in fostering cooperation among MENA countries and supporting the development of the maritime sector.” 

The MENA region is home to vital shipping lanes, including the Suez Canal, which handles around 12 per cent of global trade.  

The new office is expected to boost the region’s maritime governance and contribute to the transition toward greener shipping practices. 

The event was attended by representatives from IMO member states, industry stakeholders, and academic leaders.  

The IMO and Egypt used the occasion to reaffirm their shared vision for a sustainable and secure maritime future. 

The MENA Regional Presence Office is part of a global network that also includes IMO offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Accra, Ghana, Nairobi, Kenya, Manila, the Philippines, and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The IMO is also preparing to open a new office in Fiji for the Pacific region. 

Meanwhile, Cyprus, a long-standing IMO member since 1973, continues to play a crucial role in the organisation.  

The country has served on the IMO Council since 1987 and remains an active participant in shaping global maritime policy.  

In November 2024, Cyprus announced its candidacy for re-election to the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 period, underlining its commitment to supporting the IMO’s work. 

With the world’s 11th largest fleet, Cyprus is a major player in international shipping and continues to provide a wide range of services to the global maritime industry.  

The country’s contribution to the IMO’s initiatives is set to strengthen as it seeks to further its influence within the organisation.