London: The State of Qatar and the United Republic of Tanzania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates, on the margins of the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly held in London.

According to Qatar News Agency, the MoU was signed by the Assistant Undersecretary of Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Eng. Abdulaziz Abdulla Al Sulaiti, and HE Director General of Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Mohamed Salum. The ceremony was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UK, Ireland, and Iceland, and Qatar's Permanent Representative to the IMO, Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani.

The MoU aligns with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its amendments, enhancing both countries' adherence to international standards. It applies to seafarers on registered merchant ships of either country, except those mentioned in Article 3 of the STCW Convention, ensuring alignment with local laws.

In a similar development, Qatar's Ministry of Transport and Ecuador's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport signed an MoU on port cooperation during the same session in London. This agreement was signed by HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani for Qatar, and HE Ambassador of Ecuador to the United Kingdom, Luis Ignacio Vayas Valdivieso, for Ecuador.

The MoU aims to foster cooperation, exchange of expertise, and best practices to enhance productivity between national port authorities. It also focuses on advancing information technology in ports and training the national workforce in port management and operations.

The agreements reflect Qatar's dedication to strengthening international cooperation in the maritime sector, sharing expertise, and improving port management and operations to meet global standards.

Additionally, the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Transport, hosted a reception for the Executive Council of IMO. The event was attended by HE Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani, HE Secretary-General of IMO, Arsenio Antonio Dominguez, ministers from various countries, ambassadors, and other dignitaries.

During the event, HE the Minister of Transport expressed gratitude to IMO for its efforts in ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. He reiterated Qatar's commitment to collaborating with the organization to achieve its objectives.