Panama was re-elected at the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in the Category A, and was one of the most voted countries by the General Assembly.

The IMO is formed by 175 countries and is the body that governs maritime transportation worldwide. Its Assembly has three levels of participation. Only 10 countries participate in Category A, which are elected by the Assembly based on their importance and are considered the world’s most important maritime powers. 

Specialized media have seen Panama’s re-election to IMO’s Category A as a recognition to the country’s’ contributions to the development of the sector and for having the world’s largest merchant fleet. 

The Panamanian delegation at the IMO General Assembly was headed by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Noriel Araúz, who also signed several bilateral maritime agreements, including the MoU between Panama and the United Arab Emirates. 

“This achievement is the result of a great diplomatic effort, as well as the daily work of thousands of Panamanians who, from the private and public sectors, honor the name of our country, which is recognized internationally,” said Minister Arauz.

“This is the accomplishment of the Panamanian seafarers, of our country’s workers and executives of maritime companies and of all the officials in Panama’s 54 consulates, 4 registry offices and 14 international offices, who support more than 318,000 seafarers onboard the Panama-flagged 8,600 ships that sail the seas around the world, ” he added.