The Kingdom has strived for an ideal use of its coasts along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf to develop its economic prosperity and better serve pilgrims, said Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah, here on Wednesday during the inauguration of the International Marine Festival themed “60 years in service of marine transport”. The Kingdom was reelected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in 2007; it was the Kingdom's third since 1969. The IMO is the United Nations agency concerned with the safety of shipping and cleaner oceans. Saudi Arabia has been an effective member of IMO since 1969, and is also a member of its board of directors. Prince Khaled said that efforts should be intensified to tackle challenges facing marine transport, calling for more work to develop this industry in the Kingdom. Organized by the Ministry of Transportation and King Abdul Aziz University, the festival coincides with the day when the Kingdom joined the International Maritime Organization. Continuing for three days, the festival features marine and cultural activities. – Okaz __
