Explosions in the port of Beirut, Lebanon - 5 August 2020

Statement by Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said:

"I express my deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Lebanon following the catastrophic explosions in the port of Beirut yesterday. The port provides a vital artery bringing food, medicines and supplies to the country and its destruction will have devastating consequences. The United Nations is assisting the immediate response to the incident. The International Maritime Organization stands ready to assist in any way we can."