imo council — Cyprus has been re-elected to the council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the term 2026-2027, marking a significant achievement with a total of 136 votes. This result places Cyprus in seventh position, a notable rise from twelfth place in the previous elections held two years ago.
The re-election was met with enthusiasm from both the foreign ministry and the deputy shipping ministry. They emphasized that Cyprus’s continuous presence on the council since 1987 reflects the trust that member states place in its capabilities and reliability. The deputy shipping ministry highlighted, “This re-election strengthens Cyprus’ ability to actively participate in making strategic decisions that affect international shipping, while simultaneously promoting Cyprus as an important international shipping hub.”
The elections took place at IMO headquarters in London during the 34th general assembly, where Cyprus faced tough competition among 26 candidate countries. In this challenging electoral landscape, the nation not only secured re-election but also significantly increased the support it garnered from member states compared to the last electoral process.
With a jump from twelfth to seventh place, Cyprus confirmed its strong international presence, illustrating its commitment to the maritime sector. The deputy shipping ministry noted that this achievement is a testament to the country’s “important work, active participation in international maritime processes, and constructive contributions to addressing the challenges of the sector.”
Since first being elected to the IMO Council in 1987, Cyprus has maintained a consistent and influential role. Diplomatic sources conveyed to the Cyprus News Agency that this latest election result underscores Cyprus’s steadfast dedication to the IMO’s work and mission, reinforcing its status as a vital player on the global maritime stage.
