Ukraine has concluded new maritime alliances: agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, Italy and Norway

Ukraine has signed new agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, Italy and Norway in the field of shipping.

The Ukrainian delegation during the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London held a series of strategic meetings with partners from different countries of the world. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Development.

“Ukraine is regaining its place on the international maritime map. Our partners support initiatives on shipping safety, digitalization and port development. These are concrete steps towards a sustainable recovery of the maritime economy,” said First Deputy Minister of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Alena Shkrum.

The key result of the visit was the signing of the Memorandum on Mutual Recognition of Seafarers’ Diplomas between the State Service of Maritime and Inland Water Transport of Ukraine and the General Directorate of Transport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The document opens up new employment opportunities for Ukrainian seafarers and deepens bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime transport.

At the same time, during a meeting with the Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar, the parties discussed the digitalization of transport systems, the development of intelligent infrastructure, as well as the modernization of the road and railway network.

Investment projects in the transport sector and the protection of critical infrastructure were considered separately.

At a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Singapore, the Ukrainian side invited Singapore to join the Maritime Recovery Plan of Ukraine.

This concerns the use of Singapore’s experience in port management, logistics automation, and the organization of training for Ukrainian seafarers.

During negotiations with the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport of Italy, Eduardo Ricci, the parties discussed the development of transport corridors, cooperation in the railway and maritime sectors, as well as in the field of civil aviation.

Also, during a meeting with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans of Norway, Marianne Sivertsen Ness, the Ukrainian delegation discussed joint steps to strengthen maritime security, support the fleet and demining of water areas within the Maritime Coalition.

At the same time, the issue was the use of Norwegian technical assistance – in particular, modular bridges and special equipment, the development of a “transport visa-free regime” and Norway’s participation in projects to restore and stabilize the maritime sector of Ukraine.

Also, within the framework of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London, a bilateral meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez was held. The key topics of the negotiations were the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, increased international pressure on the Russian Federation and the expansion of technical assistance to Ukraine.