Water Minister, Chinese diplomat discuss repercussions of sinking ship

[07/03/2024 07:19]

ADEN - SABA
Minister of Water and Environment, Engineer Tawfiq al-Sharjabi discussed today with the Charge D'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen Shao Cheng ways to enhance the protection of marine environment along the coasts of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea.

The meeting, which was held via video communication on Thursday, addressed the environmental threats resulting from the sinking of the cargo ship "Rubymar" off the coast of Mokha in the Red Sea due to the targeting by the terrorist Houthi militias, as well as the potential risks in case of leakage of its cargo of chemical fertilizers or fuel.

Minister al-Sharjabi affirmed the government's continued consultation with the United Nations and the international community regarding partnership in developing plans and programs to combat pollution and salvage the ship.

He also highlighted the activation of the national emergency plan and the deployment of field teams of experts in the region and the beaches to monitor pollution and take periodic samples.

He further noted that a number of United Nations experts have arrived to assist in assessing the repercussions of this environmental disaster.

He emphasized that avoiding the risks of the sinking of the ship "Rubymar" is not only a local interest but also a regional and international one, as the negative effects will not immediately manifest but rather with time, leading to a disruption of marine balance and biodiversity.

Al-Sharjabi highlighted the importance of China's role in containing this serious environmental threat, expressing the government's hope that the international community's actions would align with the magnitude of the consequences and provide assistance in reaching the ship, assessing the situation, and initiating the rescue operation.

For his part, the Chinese diplomat expressed his country's concern about navigation threats in the Red Sea and the escalating environmental risks due to the sinking of the ship "Rubymar."

He affirmed China's support for the Yemeni government and its ongoing efforts to avert a catastrophe that would affect an important international waterway.