Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the hijacking of an oil tanker while sailing off the Yemeni coast, which had several Egyptian sailors on board, and its subsequent forced diversion to Somali territorial waters. The UAE characterized these criminal acts as a direct threat to the security and safety of international maritime navigation and a blatant challenge to the laws governing global trade in vital corridors.
In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the nation’s full solidarity with the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt during this crisis, expressing support for the families of the kidnapped sailors. Abu Dhabi emphasized its absolute backing for all diplomatic and security efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of the Egyptian crew and securing their immediate release, urging the international community not to tolerate the resurgence of piracy activities in the region.
Combating Piracy and Organized Crime
The Ministry stressed the urgent need to intensify collective international efforts to counter piracy and organized crime targeting commercial vessels. The statement noted that the return of such incidents in maritime corridors near the coasts of Yemen and Somalia requires international security vigilance and broader intelligence and military cooperation to protect navigation lines—a primary artery for the global economy—and to prevent criminal organizations from threatening the safety of seafarers.
The UAE highlighted that negligence in confronting these attacks could lead to disruptions in international supply chains and increase insurance and shipping costs, negatively impacting market stability. Therefore, working to dry up the funding sources of these criminal groups and prosecuting those involved is an urgent necessity to preserve regional and international peace and security.
Navigation Security: A Fundamental Pillar of Global Stability
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the UAE’s position calling for enhanced regional and international cooperation to protect commercial ships and ensure the safety of maritime crews. The Ministry emphasized that maritime security is a fundamental pillar of global economic stability, as sustainable development cannot be achieved amidst threats to the freedom of the seas. The UAE called for the activation of international anti-piracy agreements to ensure a safe and stable maritime environment.
In conclusion, the UAE’s stance embodies the depth of strategic relations with Egypt and the nation’s commitment to the security of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The UAE remains an active partner in all international alliances aimed at securing waterways, asserting that the safety of Arab citizens and the protection of international trade remain at the forefront of its diplomatic and security priorities.
