Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom Presents Credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization

His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, Dr Salih Husain Ali Al-Tamimi, presented his credentials as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the International Maritime Organization to Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the Organisation, on 12 May 2026 at the Organisation’s headquarters in London.

This step comes as part of Iraq’s efforts to strengthen its active presence within international organisations and to expand avenues of multilateral cooperation. His Excellency affirmed the Iraqi Government’s commitment to enhancing and developing its relationship with the International Maritime Organization, one of the specialised agencies of the United Nations responsible for the safety and security of maritime transport and for the prevention of marine and air pollution from ships. He also commended the efforts of the Organisation’s team of experts in supporting Iraq’s national endeavours to complete the mandatory audit process under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), to which all Member States are subject. This represents an important step towards strengthening Iraq’s standing within the global maritime transport system and reinforcing its compliance with the Organisation’s requirements.

The Secretary-General welcomed His Excellency the Ambassador and wished him success in the performance of his diplomatic duties, affirming the Organisation’s interest in strengthening joint cooperation with Iraq through the provision of technical assistance and capacity building. The meeting also addressed the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, the navigational situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Organisation’s humanitarian initiative in this regard, including the establishment of a framework for the evacuation of seafarers.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency extended an invitation to the Secretary-General to visit Iraq once again and to witness the notable progress in the Iraqi maritime sector, including the rehabilitation of ports and infrastructure in Basra Governorate.

The credentials ceremony was attended by the Iraqi Maritime Attaché, Captain Mazin Al-Kaabi, and First Secretary Alyaa Ihsan Al-Sayegh, responsible for the International Organisations and Multilateral Relations Portfolio in the Political Section of the Embassy.