[29/10/2024 08:27]

ADEN - SABA
Minister of Transport Dr. Abdulsalam Humaid discussed Tuesday with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Antonio Dominguez, and his accompanying delegation a range of topics of mutual interest.

The Secretary General and the accompanying delegation visit Yemen for the first time.

The meeting reviewed the impacts and repercussions of Houthi militia attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, highlighting their negative impacts, including increased insurance fees, shipping costs, and subsequent price hikes for goods and services.

It also addressed the challenges facing maritime transport and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the ministry, representing the government, and the organization.

The Minister of Transport emphasized the importance of the visit, given Yemen's strategic location overlooking several seas, oceans, and waterways, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, through which approximately 30% of international trade pass through it.

He highlighted the vital role of the IMO in securing maritime navigation and creating an efficient international transport system, as well as ensuring a safe and clean marine environment free from pollution.

Minister Humaid pointed out that Yemen has joined 20 agreements and treaties of the IMO, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution and the Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems.

He mentioned that the ministry and government are working to legislate the implementation of these agreements and treaties, and that the ministry is in the process of issuing a regulation for ships and ports, as well as forming a national committee for maritime security in coordination with the Ministry of Legal Affairs for review and submission to the Cabinet for approval.

The minister also highlighted the challenges faced by the government due to the Houthi militia's coup against the state and its institutions, which has caused significant issues, including increased insurance costs for ships and the classification of Yemeni ports as high-risk.

He addressed the economic implications of these classifications on citizens' livelihoods, as well as the repercussions of terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia on international shipping routes and vessels.

He asserted that the continued flow of weapons to the Houthi militia poses a threat not only to Yemen but also to the security and peace of the region and the world.

The Minister of Transport praised the role of the IMO Secretary-General and the direct support provided to the ministry and the General Authority for Maritime Affairs through capacity building and the establishment of internal and external workshops, totaling around 25 training sessions, and the qualification of 80 maritime personnel in technical and administrative fields.

He expressed hope for further contributions to meet the needs for building the capacities of relevant maritime entities and for providing necessary equipment to maintain the marine environment and international shipping routes.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the IMO noted that his visit to Yemen is part of the organization's interest in the strategic maritime location and aims to closely understand the impacts of the Houthi maritime attacks and the nature of support and assistance that IMO members can provide.

He emphasized the strategic and important position Yemen holds and confirmed that the organization will continue to provide necessary assistance according to priorities to overcome the challenges posed by attacks on international navigation and maritime safety.

Additionally, the Minister of Transport and the UN official visited the headquarters of the General Authority for Maritime Affairs, where they examined the workflow, activities, and needs for performance improvement, as well as the tasks assigned to the regional maritime security information exchange center affiliated with the authority.

This was followed by a maritime tour of Aden Port to observe the navigation activity and the unique features of the port's location.

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