Muaz Shabandri 

A senior official from the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the international community to exert greater efforts in securing the release of fishermen and sailors held as captives by Somali pirates.

“Until now, some fishermen and sailors are in custody of the pirates and we would like to send a message to release them unconditionally,” said Faris Al Mazroui, Assistant to the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs on Military and Security Affairs.

His comments came at the close of a high-level two-day conference on anti-maritime piracy hosted in Dubai. More than 750 delegates and 20 foreign ministers were in attendance as they exchanged ideas on improving international co-ordination to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.

He added: “The international community has succeeded on many fronts as participants confirmed piracy attacks have reduced. We have to maintain this success and exert more efforts to help improve the security situation.”

His views were supported by Mohammed Sharaf, Group Chief Executive Officer of DP World as he said: “While the gains are welcome, these may be reversible. It is our duty to keep the spotlight on captives and help economies suffering from piracy. We also need to highlight the need for long-term commitment.”

The conference was opened by Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, with the President of Somalia, Hassan Shaikh Mohamud giving the keynote address. Other Government speakers at the conference included senior Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mozambique, the Philippines, the Seychelles, and the Comoros, alongside a number of Ministers from European countries.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) jointly hosted the forum.

Source: Khaleej Times