On Friday, the assembly of the International Maritime The International Organization (IMO) has elected the states that will be part of the three categories of the organization's new board. In category (a), which includes the ten States with the greatest interest in providing international maritime transport services, were elected China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, United Kingdom United Kingdom/Northern Ireland, Republic of Korea and United States of America. In category (b), formed by the ten states with the highest interest in international maritime trade, were elected Australia, Brazil, Canada, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. In category (c), which includes 20 unelected states in the first two categories that have special interests in maritime transport or shipping, and whose election to the Council will guarantee the representation of all the main geographical areas of the world have been elected Saudi Arabia, Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Philippines, Finland, Jamaica, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa and Turkey.

The new IMO Council will meet on Thursday for its 136th session and will elect its President and vice president for the next two years.

On the occasion of the vote, the Italian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi, pointed out that "Italy was still the most voted nation on the Council of the International Maritime Organization, obtaining 155 votes, tied with China, two years after the previous success. This result - he added - underlines the centrality of our country in the maritime industry, in the international maritime cooperation, in the security of the and the protection of the marine environment. The IMO, the body key executive for the management of global maritime policies, continues to see Italy as a protagonist, together with countries such as USA, UK, Japan and Greece. The reappointment strengthens the role of the as a leader in the promotion of the blue economy".