Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili welcomed International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez at the Presidential Palace to discuss ongoing cooperation and future opportunities in the maritime sector.

According to the President’s press office, the meeting highlighted the strong partnership between Georgia and the IMO, Georgia’s maritime potential, and the importance of improving working conditions for Georgian seafarers. President Kavelashvili expressed gratitude to the IMO and its secretariat for their continued technical support over the years.

He emphasized that Georgia, an IMO member since 1993, remains committed to meeting all obligations under international maritime law. “Georgia maintains the highest standards in maritime safety, ensures the welfare, training, and certification of its seafarers, and actively protects the marine environment,” the President stated.

The discussion also focused on cooperation with IMO-affiliated educational institutions. Georgian alumni of the World Maritime University (WMU) and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) are now contributing to national development through roles in the public sector.

President Kavelashvili noted that demand for marine professionals in Georgia is growing steadily, with more than 19,000 active seafarers currently employed across the country.