During his week-long official visit to the Russian Federation (July 11-15, 2005), IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos has received pledges of continued support for a full range of IMO activities, including the important IMO Voluntary Member State Audit Scheme. In a packed program that included high-level talks as well as a series of visits to key Russian maritime centers, Mr. Mitropoulos received repeated assurance of the Russian Government’s firm intention to continue supporting the development and adoption of global standards for shipping engaged in international trade only through IMO and for the work programme and initiatives of the Organization. Among the senior figures with whom Mr. Mitropoulos enjoyed productive talks during his visit were Mr. M. E.