London, 5 March 2025- The Cuban Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the International Organisations accredited in London, Her Excellency Ismara Vargas Walter, paid a courtesy call to the headquarters of the International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO) and met with its Director General, Mr. Laurent Parenté. The Ambassador was accompanied by the First Secretary for Trade and Economic Affairs, Soima Méndez Lazo.
The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on the possibilities for cooperation in the maritime and telecommunications sectors. Both parties agreed on the impact of the extra-territorial effects of the US government's blockade against our country on access to commercial services provided by companies specialising in maritime geo-referencing.
The Director General explained the characteristics of IMSO and its relationship with other international organisations, as well as the importance of satellite communications networks in international transport, particularly in emergency situations. The Ambassador reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to IMSO and its willingness to support the Organisation's efforts in this work.
IMSO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1976 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations. It contributes to the safety of seafarers and passengers worldwide. It oversees the satellite providers of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and coordinates the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system, both established by the IMO under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Cuba has been one of the 110 Member States of the organisation since 1989.