IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said:
“I welcome and support the United Nations Security Council’s resolution affirming the exercise of navigational rights and freedom by merchant vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected.
The entire world depends on international shipping. Seafarers, ships and cargoes should not be the subject of attacks. We must all work together to ensure safety of seafarers, freedom of navigation and stability of supply chains. And I join the calls for caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and the broader region.
I wholeheartedly reiterate my strong support for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew.
IMO will continue to enhance the safety and secure transit of vessels of all States through the Red Sea and will closely monitor the situation, in collaboration with Member States and partners from the industry."
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The UN Security Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) on 10 January 2024.