Saudi Arabia and the UK launched on Tuesday the international Yemen Maritime Security Partnership to boost security in critical maritime waterways.
The partnership was launched at a high-level international conference in Riyadh with the participation of over 35 countries.
The conference witnessed pledges of millions of dollars in the first phase of international funding, dedicated to rebuilding the civil capacities of the Yemeni Coast Guard, including training, equipment, and institutional support as part of a comprehensive ten-year strategy.
The partnership focuses on combating smuggling, piracy, and human trafficking in Yemen's vital waterways, to bolster regional stability and safeguarding international trade routes.
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber stressed that the conference underlined the strategic importance of the Red Sea region at both regional and international levels.
The Kingdom remains committed to safeguarding the security and safety of this vital area and ensuring freedom of navigation, he added, describing it as a main artery of global trade and a central hub linking peoples of the world and advancing their shared interests.
Building on the historic bonds of brotherhood and the deep-rooted relations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Riyadh is working diligently to support the Yemeni government across political, economic, developmental, and humanitarian fields. This includes strengthening its capacities and bolstering its efficiency in a way that fosters stability and prosperity and fulfills the aspirations of its people, the ambassador said.
He noted that the Kingdom has supported Yemen across vital sectors over the past decades by providing comprehensive and coordinated assistance through all relevant Saudi entities. This has included budgetary support for the Yemeni government, assistance to the Central Bank of Yemen, and the implementation of 265 development projects and initiatives through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen across eight sectors in various governorates.
It has also encompassed capacity-building for Yemeni government institutions, including diverse initiatives and programs supporting the Yemeni Coast Guard, amounting to a total of $55,641,252, which reflects the depth of fraternal ties and the strength of the partnership between the two countries, remarked Al Jaber.
Moreover, he announced the provision of an additional $4,000,000 in support to the Yemeni Coast Guard out of the Kingdom’s belief in the pivotal role of the Yemeni Coast Guard in combating smuggling, organized crime, illegal migration, and maritime threats.
UK Ambassador to Yemen Abda Sharif said her country is committed to supporting the Yemeni Coast Guard and government. She added that the conference’s pledges reflect the scale of international support for Yemen, expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its continued assistance.
The partnership will establish a dedicated secretariat, managed through the technical assistance fund for Yemen, known as TAFFY, to coordinate international support and ensure resources reach their intended destinations, reflecting the UK's commitment to strengthening global security partnerships.
The Yemeni Coast Guard will benefit from the support to strengthen its capacity in securing maritime borders, boosting security and economic opportunities for coastal communities, and safeguarding one of the world's most vital waterways.
