WNAM REPORT: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday met International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in London, seeking the release of 10 Pakistani seafarers held by pirates aboard the cargo vessel MT Honour 25 off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, for several months.
Dar, who is currently on a five-day official visit to the UK, called for “urgent and effective” institutional intervention to secure the early return of all the seafarers, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
He thanked Dominguez for his support for ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the Pakistani seafarers being held captive aboard MT Honour 25.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s “longstanding” commitment to the IMO and praised its role as the principal international regulatory body for safe, secure and efficient international shipping.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s continued efforts to strengthen maritime governance, implement international maritime standards and further develop its blue economy.
The two officials also discussed further strengthening Pakistan-IMO cooperation in maritime safety, security, regulatory reforms and the development of Pakistan’s maritime sector.
