Syria has regained its voting rights at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after being suspended for several years. On November 29, Syria participated in the election of the Council members at the IMO’s headquarters in London, as confirmed by Saad Baroud, the Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. This event took place during the 34th session of the IMO Assembly.
Baroud emphasized that the restoration of Syria’s voting rights marks a significant step toward its re-engagement with international bodies and multilateral platforms. This development aims to enhance Syria’s role in influencing global maritime policies and decisions. The IMO, a specialized UN agency, focuses on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, comprising 175 member states.
The 34th session of the IMO Assembly commenced on November 24, 2025, and will conclude on December 3. As the highest governing body of the IMO, it is responsible for adopting work programs, budgets, and electing the Council. During this session, a new 40-member Council was elected for the 2026-2027 term.
The Assembly is also set to adopt various resolutions covering crucial aspects of the organization’s operations, including capacity-building strategies and guidelines for maritime safety and communication standards. In his opening address, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the challenges facing the maritime sector and the need for collective action to address them.
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