In a significant meeting held today in Aden, Yemen’s temporary capital, Minister of Transport Dr. Abdul Salam Hamid engaged with Arsenio Antonio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This visit marks the first time the Secretary-General has traveled to Yemen, highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation between the two parties.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed the consequences of Houthi militia attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks have led to increased insurance fees and shipping costs, ultimately affecting the prices and availability of goods and services. The discussions also addressed the challenges facing maritime transport and explored ways to enhance collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and the IMO.
Dr. Hamid emphasized the significance of Yemen’s strategic location, which overlooks several seas and waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical transit point for approximately 30% of international trade. He acknowledged the vital role of the IMO in ensuring safe maritime navigation and promoting efficient international transport systems while maintaining a clean and pollution-free marine environment.
The Minister highlighted Yemen’s commitment to the IMO by joining 20 international agreements and treaties, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and the Ballast Water Management Convention. He noted that the Ministry is working on legislative measures to implement these agreements and is preparing to issue regulations for ships and ports. Additionally, the establishment of a National Maritime Security Committee is underway, pending approval from the Cabinet.
Dr. Hamid outlined the significant challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency, which has led to increased insurance costs for ships and classified Yemeni ports as high-risk areas. These factors have negatively impacted the economy and the livelihoods of citizens. He expressed concerns about the implications of Houthi attacks on international shipping routes and the overall security of the region, emphasizing that the flow of weapons to the militia poses a threat not only to Yemen but also to regional and global peace.
The Minister praised the support provided by the IMO Secretary-General, particularly in building the capacity of the Ministry and the General Authority for Maritime Affairs. This support has included 25 training workshops and the qualification of 80 maritime personnel in various technical and administrative fields. Dr. Hamid expressed hope for further assistance in enhancing maritime capabilities and acquiring necessary equipment to protect the marine environment and international shipping lanes.
In response, Secretary-General Dominguez highlighted his visit’s purpose: to assess the strategic maritime position of Yemen and understand the impacts of Houthi attacks on maritime activities. He reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to providing necessary assistance to help Yemen overcome the challenges posed by these attacks and ensure maritime safety.
Following the discussions, Minister Hamid and the Secretary-General visited the General Authority for Maritime Affairs to review ongoing operations and identify areas for improvement. They also conducted a maritime tour of Aden port to observe its operational activities and unique features.
The meeting included several key officials, such as Captain Ali Sobhi, Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs; Engineer Mohammed bin Ayfan, Ministerial Advisor for Maritime Affairs; Dr. Mohammed Amzarba, President of Aden Ports; and Captain Yuslem Mubarak, Deputy President of the General Authority for Maritime Affairs, among others.
This meeting marks a pivotal moment in strengthening Yemen’s maritime sector and enhancing international cooperation to ensure safe and efficient maritime navigation in the region.
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