The Finnish Minister of Transport Ms Merja Kyllönen will participate in the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization IMO in London on 21-22 November 2011. Alongside decisions relating to the activities of the organisation, the meeting will also discuss maritime safety and environmental issues.
Minister Kyllönen's remarks on Monday 21 November will focus on the quality criteria for ships engaged in winter navigation and on the impacts of maritime transport on climate change. She will also talk about piracy and Finland's experiences of Operation Atalanta in the Gulf of Aden in spring 2011.
In addition to the official programme, Minister Kyllönen will have discussions with IMO leaders and decision-makers from participant countries. Besides maritime issues, the Finnish delegation will, in conjunction with the election of IMO administrative organs, campaign for Finland's membership in the UN Security Council for 2013-2014.
The chair of the Finnish delegation is Minister of Transport Ms Merja Kyllönen, with Ambassador Mr Pekka Huhtaniemi of the Finnish Embassy in London as the vice-chair. The delegation to the meeting includes representatives of government authorities and businesses.
The Assembly, organised every two years, is the IMO's highest decision-making body. It approves the organisation's work programme, budget and other financial arrangements for the coming years, and elects the Council. In addition to participating in the Assembly, Finland has contributed to the preparation of the issues discussed at the meeting by taking part in the work of IMO committees, subcommittees and working groups. The Assembly meets from 21 to 30 November 2011.
Further information:
Ms Silja Ruokola, Director of the Unit for Transport Safety and the Environment, tel. +358 9 160 28367, +358 40 580 0894
