Somalia has declared its commitment to ensuring the security of commercial vessels using its sea lanes, highlighting the strategic importance of the country’s geographical location.
Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Abuukar Baale, said the country fully recognizes its role in ensuring the security of international maritime routes, as Somalia has the longest coastline on the African continent and is located at a key point connecting the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
“The security and management of our seas is a matter of importance to the region and the world at large,” said Abuukar Baale, noting that Somalia is strengthening efforts to protect its sea lanes.
He also stressed the need to protect the freedom of commercial vessels, while respecting their rights, in order to ensure the flow of international trade passing through Somali shores.
The move comes as the United Nations Security Council has already suspended support for international anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, after the Somali government called for an end to the costly annual operation.
Somalia’s decision also comes as commercial vessels have been hijacked off the country’s coast, reviving concerns about maritime security in the region.
