D-8 Organization widened its network of cooperation in the shipping and maritime sector through a Letter of Intent (LoI) signed recently with the World Maritime University (WMU), which is based in Malmo, Sweden.

During a working visit earlier this month by Dr. Widi Pratikto, the D-8 Secretary-General, to the WMU headquarters, a Letter of Intent (LoI) on establishing cooperation between D-8 and the University was signed with the President of WMU, Björn Kjerfve. The document, signed on 13 July 2012 in Malmo, intends to establish cooperative and friendly relations between the two sides. Given the areas of technical expertise and experience of WMU, D-8 hopes that active pursual of the Letter of Intent and implementation of the measures envisioned in it could assist the D-8 Member Countries in the maritime field, especially through the activities of the D-8 Working Group on Shipping. Exchange of experiences and expertise, provision of technical advice, capacity-building, and utilization of the human and material resources of both organizations have been particularly highlighted in the Letter of Intent.

The President of WMU has also expressed interest in attending the next session of the Working Group on Shipping in order to engage in exchange of views with the WG and the participants on concrete modes of cooperation.