The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participates along with 169 states in the celebration of the World Maritime Day in this year under the theme "IMO's Response to current environment challenges" organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during September of each year. In a press statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on this occasion, the Minister of Transport Dr. Jubarah bin Eid Al-Suraysri said that the Kingdom's participation in the annual celebration of the World Maritime Day with all Member States in the IMO came as a result of its belief in the importance of highlighting the role played by shipping in turning the wheels of national and international commerce and economy. "The Kingdom acceded to the membership of the International Maritime Organization in 1969, as it believes in the important role played by this organization in the field of maritime safety, raising navigation performance and protecting of the marine environment. Also, the Kingdom is a member in IMO Board of Directors. It acceded to more than 20 conventions and protocols concerned with maritime safety, marine environment protection, communications via satellite and maritime rescue," the minister added. He also said that the celebration of the World Maritime Day this year will be on Tuesday 4 September 2007 at 8:30 pm under the auspices of the Governor of Eastern Region Prince Mohammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
