London: The State of Qatar, represented by its Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Qatar Energy, actively participated in the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO, held in London. This participation underscores Qatar's commitment to contributing to international efforts aimed at safeguarding the marine environment and fostering cooperation among member states on pertinent environmental issues.
According to Qatar News Agency, the MEPC 84 discussions tackled various environmental topics, with a significant focus on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Additionally, the committee addressed issues related to the protection of seafarers and the marine environment, alongside concerns regarding de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar's delegation voiced its concerns during the meetings about the threats to navigation in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, highlighting the potential environmental risks these threats pose. The delegation stressed the necessity of maintaining freedom and safety of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and firmly rejected any measures that could hinder international transit.