Syria has regained its voting rights at the International Maritime International Maritime Organization (IMO) after years of suspension.
Syria participated on 29 November in the election of the organization’s Council members, according to Saad Baroud, Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, in a statement to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
The elections were held at the organization’s headquarters in London, as part of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly.
According to Baroud, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stressed that restoring Syria’s voting rights represents a new step toward its active return to international bodies and multilateral platforms, and toward strengthening its participation in shaping global maritime policies and decisions.
The International Maritime Organization is the specialized UN agency responsible for the safety and security of maritime navigation, the protection of the marine environment, and the regulation of international shipping. It comprises 175 member states.
Agenda of the 34th session
The 34th session of the IMO Assembly began on 24 November 2025 in London and will continue until 3 December.
The Assembly is the IMO’s highest governing body and comprises all member states. It is responsible for adopting the work program and budget, as well as electing the Council.
On 28 November, the IMO elected a new 40-member Council for the 2026 to 2027 term through a secret ballot.
The Assembly is set to adopt several resolutions covering key aspects of the organization’s work, including:
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The IMO’s capacity-building strategy
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Port State Control procedures, 2025
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Survey guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2025
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A non-exhaustive list of obligations under instruments relevant to the 2025 IMO Instruments Implementation (III) Code
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Framework and procedures for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme
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The Code of Alerts and Indicators, 2025
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Standards for providing mobile satellite communication systems under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
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Fees for distress, emergency, and safety communications through recognized mobile satellite services under the GMDSS
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The consolidated text of the IMO Convention
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The gradual introduction of Arabic as a working language at the organization
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Standards and procedures for public live streaming of IMO Assembly meetings
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The Assembly’s Rules of Procedure
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Relations with non-governmental organizations
In his opening address, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said, “We gather today at a time when the maritime sector continues to navigate a complex international landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, evolving trade patterns, and a rapidly accelerating global transition toward decarbonization and digitalization.”
He added that the successes ahead will depend on the decisions and collective work of the organization’s diverse community.
Dominguez also highlighted the IMO’s achievements during the current biennium, including efforts to strengthen maritime safety, protect oceans, advance digitalization, combat fraudulent ship registration, support seafarers, and enhance capacity building.