London, United Kingdom — The Somali Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Abdullahi Mohamed Hashi, has officially presented his credentials as the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The formal ceremony took place at the IMO Headquarters in London, where Amb. Hashi was received by the Secretary-General of the organization, Arsenio Dominguez.
In his remarks following the presentation, Amb. Hashi expressed Somalia’s deep commitment to enhancing collaboration with the IMO, emphasizing the country’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and modernize its maritime sector after decades of disruption.
“I look forward to improving the good cooperation between the international organization and Somalia,” he said, reaffirming Somalia’s readiness to work closely with the IMO on maritime governance, safety, and environmental protection.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Somalia, as the nation continues to strengthen its maritime administration, revive port infrastructure, and combat illegal fishing in its vast coastal waters — among the longest in mainland Africa.
The IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, plays a critical role in regulating global shipping and supporting member states in promoting safe, secure, and sustainable maritime transport.
Secretary-General Dominguez welcomed Amb. Hashi’s accreditation, praising Somalia’s progress in re-establishing maritime institutions and its engagement in regional and international maritime frameworks.
Amb. Hashi’s dual role — as Somalia’s envoy to the United Kingdom and its representative to the IMO — underscores Mogadishu’s growing diplomatic footprint and its determination to reclaim a leading role in regional maritime affairs.
As Somalia advances its Blue Economy agenda, the new envoy’s representation at the IMO is expected to bolster technical cooperation, training opportunities, and regulatory alignment — all vital to ensuring that Somali waters become a pillar of prosperity and stability for the Horn of Africa.