Published: December 19, 2024
London – Liberia’s mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, United Kingdom, continues to strive to enhance the country’s global image among IMO member states.
Under the leadership of Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, the mission has achieved significant milestones. One notable accomplishment is Liberia’s selection as the host country for the 2025 8th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA). This decision followed a compelling presentation by the Liberian delegation, led by Ambassador Kpadeh, during the 7th AAMA Conference.
Building on these successes, the Liberian delegation is pursuing further advancements on the international stage.
On Monday, Liberia, through its Permanent Mission to the IMO, officially deposited a Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declaring its bid for re-election to the IMO Council during the 34th Assembly session in December 2025.
Ambassador Kpadeh, heading a three-person delegation, presented the instrument to the IMO’s Legal Department at its London headquarters on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 12:15 p.m.
In a statement, the Liberian Permanent Mission to the IMO highlighted the significance of the deposit, marking the official launch of Liberia’s campaign for re-election to Category A of the IMO’s 40-member Council. Liberia was previously elected to the Council during the 33rd Assembly session in 2023.
Ambassador Kpadeh emphasized that the deposit underscores Liberia’s vital role as a founding member of the IMO and a key contributor to the organization’s budget.
“Through this instrument, the Government of Liberia is reaffirming the nation’s important role in the work of the IMO as a founding member and a major contributor to its operations,” Ambassador Kpadeh noted.
The statement from the Permanent Mission further underscored Liberia’s leadership in international shipping. As the world’s leading Flag State, Liberia not only boasts an enviable registry but also demonstrates exemplary leadership in advancing global maritime safety and environmental protection.
At the IMO, Liberia chairs the influential Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) under the leadership of Dr. Harry Conway, Liberia’s Alternate Permanent Representative. The country also sponsors or co-sponsors key proposals to enhance the safety and security of international shipping.
Ambassador Kpadeh asserted that Liberia’s active engagement at the IMO and its significant contributions to the maritime sector merit its continued place on the Council.
In a related development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official circular urging all Liberian foreign missions, line ministries, and government agencies to support the country’s re-election bid. The ministry described this effort as a matter of national pride and obligation, calling for collective support to ensure Liberia’s success.
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