Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed support for the recent decision made by the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee. The committee has adopted a resolution during its 84th session, urging the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately stop attacks or threats against commercial and merchant vessels, as well as critical port and coastal civilian infrastructure. These actions are seen as threats to the marine environment through potential pollution from oil, chemicals, sea mines, and other harmful substances.
According to Emirates News Agency, the resolution highlights significant concerns that these attacks could result in extensive marine pollution in a region rich in marine biodiversity. Such pollution poses long-term and widespread impacts on the marine environment of the Arabian Gulf region. In response, Member States and relevant international organizations are encouraged to bolster pollution preparedness, enhance cooperation, and review contingency plans for major pollutants affecting the Arabian Sea, Sea of Oman, and the Gulf region. The IMO Secretary-General has been invited to monitor the environmental impact of Iran's actions.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, have emphasized the critical nature of protecting the marine environment in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. They condemned any attacks on infrastructure and commercial vessels, noting the potential for far-reaching consequences harming the region's unique biodiversity and essential fishing and navigation activities.
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Special Envoy of the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nature, also welcomed the decision, stating that the UAE remains committed to collaborating with international partners to prevent escalation and protect this crucial natural system. She stressed that environmental security is closely linked to regional and global stability.