New York:Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a high-level ministerial meeting focused on enhancing maritime security. This meeting was organized jointly by Bahrain, Canada, Estonia, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, and the European Union, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Bahrain, Dr. Al Zayani emphasized Bahrain's stance against using waterways as tools of coercion. He advocated for the complete implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2817 and 2722, asserting that the freedom of navigation is a non-negotiable right protected by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Dr. Al Zayani highlighted the impact of threats to maritime security in areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, Bab Al Mandab, and the Black Sea on global trade, energy, food security, and supply chains. He condemned Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain, GCC countries, and Jordan, along with threats to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He called for the complete implementation of Security Council Resolution 2817, ensuring safe and unrestricted navigation through these strategic waterways.
The minister also condemned Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and repeated assaults on Saudi Arabia and its civilian infrastructure. He expressed Bahrain's solidarity with Riyadh and urged strict adherence to Security Council Resolution 2722.
Dr. Al Zayani referenced a recent Arria-formula meeting of the Security Council hosted by Bahrain under the theme 'Safe Seas, Shared Security.' This meeting led to practical recommendations, including enhanced early-warning systems, maritime information sharing, emergency preparedness, securing essential supplies, and protecting seafarers. It also emphasized continued Security Council engagement and stronger enforcement of international laws to prevent the misuse of strategic waterways.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to working with international partners through its roles in the UN Security Council and the Gulf Cooperation Council to protect maritime routes and shared prosperity.