Commander of Royal Saudi Naval Forces Holds Press Briefing

Riyadh, June 29, SPA -- Admiral Prince Fahd bin Abdullah bin
Mohammed, the Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces pointed out
that the joint meeting of commanders of naval leaderships and experts
of foreign ministries of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Arab
countries on the coast of the Red Sea, was aimed at developing a
mechanism of cooperation and joint coordination of Arab countries on
the coast of the Red Sea and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

In a press briefing on the sidelines of the meeting here today, he
said, "Saudi Royal Naval Forces are currently patrolling the Gulf of
Aden and these forces have provided protection to many Saudi merchant
ships and commercial ships of other countries", noting that the
subject of the formation of naval forces of the Arab countries on the
coast of the Red Sea and the Gulf Cooperation Council States, is
under discussion, hoping to reach an agreement on the formation of
such a force.

The Prince said "The meeting is the result of the political will of
leaders of the states to combat piracy and therefore the meeting is
being held to find field solutions."


On the Kingdom's quest for the development of its role from an
independent force into joint forces with the states, the Prince said,
"One of the objectives of the meeting is to discuss joint Arab
coordination with multinational forces operating in the region to
combat piracy and to agree on the mechanisms of Arab contribution to
the international efforts to combat piracy".

The Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces pointed out that the
participation of GCC countries, which are located on the coast of the
Red Sea, is a reflection of the impact of sea lanes in the Red Sea,
affecting negatively on sea lanes in the Arabian Gulf in view of
their existence within maritime and regional security of the
countries of the region, adding that their security is an integral
part of the Red Sea.

He expressed his hope that the new Somali government provides
security and stability in Somalia because of the importance of
stabilizing the situation on the ground, which will contribute to
limiting that phenomenon.

The Prince indicated that the deterioration of economic situations
in Somalia has created a fertile environment that encouraged the
growth of the phenomenon of piracy, adding that in this context the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has realized humanitarian aspects and
provided a lot of assistance since 1991.

--SPA
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