A gathering in Jeddah, with the participation of more than 800 specialists and military leaders in the maritime sector, underlined the need to confront security threats to maritime navigation, and to curb the spread of unmanned systems that are available to terrorist organizations.
Organized by the Royal Saudi Navy, the Second Saudi Naval Forum kicked off on Monday in Jeddah, under the patronage of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
The first sessions of the three-day forum saw discussions on the challenges facing marine units and coastal sites, as well as the means to deal with threats and ensure the safety of sea lanes.
Participants stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to confront these challenges through modern technologies and cyber-security, and the need to develop effective counter systems and to chase the parties behind terrorist networks.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Army Chief of Staff, said that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the forum confirmed its leading role in peacekeeping and maritime security.
For his part, the Commander of the Royal Saudi Navy, Lieutenant-General Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili, said that the forum was held amid regional and global threats to the security and safety of vital ports and naval units.
“This requires us to work hand in hand in order to guarantee and enhance maritime security against unmanned systems,” he stated.
Al-Ghufaili continued: “The Saudi International Maritime Forum, in its second edition, comes as a continuation of the Kingdom’s contributions to promoting international peace and security, and enhancing the role of the armed forces represented by the Navy in cooperation with the concerned authorities…”
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Kitack Lim, called for deploying concerted efforts, in light of the rapid events and developments in the region that highlight the danger and threats of unmanned systems.
He also warned against the impact of carbon emissions on environmental security.
In this regard, Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, noted that Saudi Arabia supported three initiatives that aim to protect and develop the marine environment, reduce emissions from ships, and limit waste.
“Today, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a renaissance in the maritime sector, with the number of registered ships increasing by 77 percent. It is also the first country in the Middle East to obtain the 21st century certificate for its fleet achieving marine quality standards in American ports,” he remarked.
