The Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine is strengthening its partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance the security of maritime transport in Ukraine, particularly in the Black and Azov Seas. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Oleksiy Kuleba held a productive meeting with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, discussing key aspects of cooperation.
This marks Arsenio Dominguez's first visit to Ukraine.
Also present at the meeting were Alona Shkrum, First Deputy Minister, Andriy Kashuba, Deputy Minister, and Ismael Cobos Delgado, Deputy Director of Maritime Security at IMO.
Oleksiy Kuleba emphasized the importance of ensuring safe navigation, protecting human lives, and safeguarding the environment. He noted that protecting ports is not just a matter of Ukraine's economic stability but also of global food security. Since the opening of the Ukrainian maritime corridor, 109 million tons of cargo have been transported, of which 70 million tons are grain, reaching Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Kuleba also expressed concern about the activities of Russia's shadow tanker fleet, which continues to transport oil despite sanctions.
He thanked the IMO for its support of Ukraine and expressed hope for achieving the IMO's goal of ensuring safe navigation for all who work at sea.
Alona Shkrum outlined the losses in the maritime sector, including 385 destroyed facilities and 31 affected civilian vessels.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of a strong IMO position to protect Ukraine's port infrastructure in the future.
During the meeting, the IMO Secretary-General assured of readiness for continued cooperation and stable support for Ukraine.
The parties agreed to maintain contact, discussing the participation of the IMO in Ukraine at the Recovery Conference in 2025.
The Strategy for Maritime Security of Ukraine, approved in 2024, aims to fulfill international obligations, including joining international conventions.
The Maritime Transport Recovery Plan, developed by the Ministry of Development in collaboration with the Estonian Ministry of Climate, has a budget of 550 million euros.
IMO is the main international organization regulating international trade shipping. Since the onset of the war, IMO has made several decisions to support Ukraine, including expelling Russia from the IMO Council.