Dr. Iruthisham Adam has officially assumed her role as the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), presenting her Letter of Credence to Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco at a formal ceremony held Friday at the IMO headquarters in London.
During the presentation, Dr. Iruthisham conveyed warm greetings on behalf of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening collaboration with the IMO. She emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to build national capacity in maritime affairs and reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for the organisation’s global maritime safety and sustainability initiatives.
Secretary-General Domínguez Velasco welcomed Dr. Iruthisham to her new role and expressed the IMO’s readiness to continue supporting the Maldives in areas of shared interest, including capacity-building, maritime safety, and environmental protection.
Dr. Iruthisham was joined at the ceremony by Deputy High Commissioner Mohamed Ahmed, First Secretary Mariyam Asif, and First Secretary Sara Khalid from the High Commission of the Maldives to the United Kingdom.
This appointment marks Dr. Iruthisham as the second Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the IMO since the country became a Member State in 1967. The Maldives, an island nation heavily reliant on maritime trade and ocean governance, has consistently prioritized active engagement with international maritime frameworks.
The IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1948, is responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. With 174 Member States and 3 Associate Members, the organization plays a critical role in shaping the future of maritime transport.
Dr. Iruthisham’s appointment signals a renewed focus by the Maldives to elevate its presence within the IMO and push for stronger cooperation on issues affecting small island developing states in the maritime domain.
