Navigating the Future Together
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
London, UK – In a powerful demonstration of international solidarity and cooperation, the Republic of Liberia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deepened their strategic maritime partnership during a high-level bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of Day 3 of the 134th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council at the IMO Headquarters in London.
This critical engagement brought together senior maritime officials from both nations to reinforce their long-standing collaboration in economic development, technical assistance, and capacity building within the global maritime sector.
Heading the Liberian delegation, Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., extended heartfelt appreciation to the UAE representatives for their continued partnership and for honoring the invitation to dialogue on strengthening future cooperation.
Commissioner Lighe emphasized the importance of unified coordination to enhance systems, programs, and projects that benefit both nations.
He also reaffirmed Liberia’s campaign for re-election to Category A of the IMO Council, underscoring the country’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to international maritime governance.
A poignant moment in the meeting was the acknowledgment of the UAE Coast Guard and Navy’s swift humanitarian response to the July 6th terrorist drone attack by Houthi rebels on the Liberian-flagged vessel, M/V Magic Seas, approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudayah, Yemen. Commissioner Lighe praised the UAE’s timely intervention as a testament to their enduring partnership and shared values within the IMO framework.
Adding to the Liberian sentiments, Permanent Representative of Liberia to the IMO, Hon. Dwight Kpadeh, commended the UAE for consistently working hand-in-hand with Liberia in promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
He noted that the two countries have often aligned on proposals to advance a common maritime agenda.
On behalf of the UAE, Mr. Mohamed Alkaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IMO, expressed gratitude for the meeting and reaffirmed his nation’s dedication to international maritime cooperation. He emphasized that the UAE’s response to the M/V Magic Seas incident was not only one of solidarity but a humanitarian obligation expected of every IMO member.
Mr. Alkaabi also announced the UAE’s candidacy for Category B of the IMO Council in the upcoming elections this December, expressing hopes that the two countries will formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of diplomatic gifts—a long-standing tradition in international relations—and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
As the IMO 134th Council session approaches its conclusion on Friday, July 11, 2025, both nations look ahead to a stronger, more structured partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a common goal: the sustainable advancement of the maritime industry.
