Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos to discuss matters of mutual interest during her official visit to the United Kingdom earlier this month.
A statement issued by the IMO said the talks focussed on matters relating to maritime safety, security, piracy and marine environment protection.
It said President Macapagal-Arroyo voiced her appreciation for the IMO's work to prevent unlawful acts at sea, such as piracy and armed robbery against ships, which have included attacks against Filipino seafarers.
IMO Secretary-General Mitropoulos thanked Mrs Macapagal-Arroyo for her nation's contribution to the work of the IMO and for overseeing the functions of the IMO Council, to which the Philippines was recently re-elected; and for the Philippines being the main supplier of its seafarers for the global shipping industry.
Furthermore, in the event the IMO decides to hold a conference to adopt amendments to the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping ) Convention and STCW Code that are currently being developed within the Organisation, President Macapagal-Arroyo has extended an invitation to the IMO to hold the event in the Philippines, the release added.
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