Minister of Transport Welcomes IMO Secretary-General in Aden
الثلاثاء - 29 أكتوبر 2024 - 08:48 م
Aden / Ministry Press Office
29/ October/ 2024
Today, His Excellency Dr. Abdulsalam Saleh Humaid, Minister of Transport, received Mr. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and his accompanying delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Aden, marking their first official visit to Yemen.
The meeting addressed key issues of mutual interest, particularly the impacts of Houthi militia attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks have led to higher insurance premiums and shipping costs, with a ripple effect on goods and services prices. The discussions also focused on reinforcing cooperation and coordination between the Ministry, representing the government, and the IMO.
Minister Humaid welcomed the Secretary-General’s visit, noting its significance given Yemen’s strategic position along crucial maritime routes, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which facilitates around 30% of global trade. He emphasized the vital role of the IMO in securing safe, efficient, and environmentally sound maritime operations.
Highlighting Yemen’s commitment to international maritime standards, the Minister outlined the country’s membership in 20 IMO conventions, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution and the Ballast Water Management Convention. Yemen is actively working to enact legislation for implementing these agreements and is finalizing national regulations for ships and ports. The Ministry is also coordinating with the Ministry of Legal Affairs to establish a National Maritime Security Committee, with plans to present the proposal to the Cabinet for approval.
The Minister discussed the challenges Yemen’s legitimate government faces due to the Houthi insurgency, which has led to the high-risk classification of Yemeni ports, driving up insurance rates and shipping costs and adversely affecting the economy and citizens’ livelihoods. He detailed the broader security threat posed by continued arms shipments to the Houthis, which endanger not only Yemen but regional and global peace as well.
Minister Humaid expressed his appreciation for the IMO’s support, acknowledging its assistance in training programs, workshops, and capacity-building efforts, benefiting 80 maritime professionals in technical and administrative roles. He also noted the IMO’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme on an emergency plan to address the Safer tanker situation and called for ongoing cooperation to secure funding for the remaining phases of the plan.
In response, Mr. Dominguez emphasized that his visit reflects the IMO’s commitment to Yemen’s strategic maritime position and its support in addressing the impacts of Houthi maritime attacks. He affirmed that the IMO would continue to provide assistance based on priorities to help Yemen address the challenges affecting international shipping and maritime safety.
After the meeting, the Minister and the IMO delegation visited the General Authority for Maritime Affairs, where they reviewed operations and assessed needs to enhance performance. They then toured the Port of Aden to observe maritime activities and examine the port's strategic advantages.
At the conclusion, Minister Humaid presented a commemorative shield to Mr. Dominguez and his delegation in recognition of the IMO’s ongoing support for the Ministry and its affiliated bodies.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Captain Ali Subhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Ports Sector; Dr. Mohammed Amzerba, Executive Officer and Board Chairman of Gulf of Aden Ports corporation; Mr. Mohammed Saber, the Deputy Chairman of the Red Sea ports corporation, Captain Yesslam Mubarak, Deputy Chairman of the General Authority for the Maritime Affairs, Engineer Abdulrab alkhuklaqi, Deputy Chairman of the Gulf of Aden Ports corporation, Mr. Bassam Almuflihi, the Minister’s office Manager, and number of the General Managers of the Ministry of transportation.
اخبار الوزارة
وزير النقل يبحث مع الفريق الفني لشركة الخطوط الجوية الملكية الأردنية علاقة التعاون واستئناف الرحلات