The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Nov. 28 announced the country's reelection to Group A of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council at the IMO General Assembly in London. (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)

By Lee Dasom

Korea has been named to the top group of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 13th consecutive time.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Nov. 28 announced the country's reelection as a member state of the council's Group A, which comprises 10 countries with the highest interest in providing international shipping services, at the IMO General Assembly in London.

The IMO board of governors takes part in the council and oversees the body's overall operations including budget and drafting and revision of regional conventions. The organization comprises 40 member countries: those in Group A representing 10 major shipping countries; Group B with 10 leading cargo-carrying states; and Group C, which has 20 countries that represent regions.

Council members are elected every two years based on votes by all member states.

Joining the IMO in 1962, Korea was first elected to Group C in 1991 and served five consecutive terms. Since its election to Group A in 2001, the country has had 12 straight terms over 34 years from 1991 to this year.

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Chun Jae-soo visited London during the election period to hold negotiations to gain support for Korea's bid through bilateral meetings with delegates from each country.

He said after the election, "Through its 13th straight election as a Group A member of the IMO Council, Korea has reaffirmed its solid position as a shipping and shipbuilding power through international recognition of the country's expected exemplary role in maritime affairs."

dlektha0319@korea.kr