The Pulse of the Capital of Afghanistan , News for the Afghan Nation
"Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,During the Security Council Arria Formula Meeting on Safe Seas, Shared Security: Protecting Freedom of Navigation in an Evolving Security Environment*******Mr. President,At the outset, we wish to thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for organizing this Arria Formula meeting. Excellency Mr. Foreign Minister, we are pleased to see you preside over this important meeting organised by the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain. We thank briefers for their analysis.2. The concept of maritime security has evolved overtime. One of the major achievements of post-World War-II order is open, safe and free maritime space, which ushered in a rapid development of global economy, trade and investment.3. Global maritime domain is presently in the grip of intractable challenges. It has morphed into a locus of intensifying geopolitical competition and intersecting challenges of 21st century. Myriad non-traditional threats ranging from piracy and terrorism to human trafficking and climate-induced risks have added another layer of complexity to the existing challenges.Mr. President,4. Disruption of commercial shipping and attacks on merchant vessels, both in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-Al-Mandab, has underscored that crises at sea have grave implications for continents and countries. The volatility at these maritime choke points have not only imperiled peace and stability but also skyrocketed energy prices and heightened fears of global food insecurity.5. Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime trade route for the transit of one-third of globally traded crude oil and a significant share of global fertilizer trade. Its geostrategic location also makes it vital for regions security and stability. Pakistan is deeply concerned at the disruptions in the Strait including attacks on commercial shipping. We reiterate our strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our brotherly countries in the region, which are adversely impacted by the volatility and violence in the Strait. Pakistan calls for an immediate deescalation of tensions, security of ships and crew members, and restoration of normal passage through the Strait.6. Pakistan strongly condemns the nefarious designs of Houthi militia to weaponize Bab-Al-Mandab by launching attacks on merchant shipping and innocent seafarers navigating the Strait. These attacks seriously undermine maritime security and threaten peace and development of regional countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is facing blatant and unprovoked aggression by the Houthis. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity of the Kingdom and stands in complete solidarity with its leadership, government, and our brothers and sisters of Saudi Arabia. We call upon Houthi militia for immediate cessation of these provocative acts which could have dire consequences for maritime security, and regional peace and stability.Mr. President,7. As one of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean with overwhelming reliance on sea-borne trade and as a party to UN Convention on the Law of Sea, Pakistan attaches paramount importance to maritime safety and security. It is our principled position that global shipping should not become a casualty of conflict and strife. Instead, it should remain a driver of global trade and economy.8. Guided by these foundational principles, Pakistan acted as a mediator between Iran and the United States, following the outbreak of hostilities between the two countries. With the support of our friends and partners, we spearheaded diplomatic efforts for de-escalation and broader regional stability, culminating in a ceasefire and Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. We shall continue to make efforts for a negotiated settlement of all outstanding issues for an early return to normalcy at sea and land.9. In pursuit of this objective, Pakistan looks forward to working with all peace-loving nations, in region and beyond, for furtherance of maritime peace and security, and safety of commercial shipping and merchant vessels.I thank you.****"
During a recent Arria Formula meeting at the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative, emphasized the evolving landscape of maritime security. He acknowledged the significant strides made in ensuring open and safe maritime spaces since World War II. However, he also highlighted the increasing challenges that threaten this hard-won stability.
The maritime domain has become a focal point of geopolitical competition, accompanied by a host of non-traditional threats including piracy, terrorism, human trafficking, and climate change-induced risks. The recent disturbances in commercial shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-Al-Mandab, underscore the urgent need for cooperative measures to safeguard these critical choke points. As one of the major conduits for global oil and trade, disruptions in these waterways have far-reaching implications, not just regionally but globally, affecting energy prices and food security.
Ambassador Ahmad condemned the aggressive acts of the Houthi militia, which have aimed to disrupt shipping in Bab-Al-Mandab, calling them a threat to both maritime security and regional stability. Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the territorial integrity of its allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, which faces provocations from Houthi forces. In light of these tensions, Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator, advocating for peaceful resolutions and striving to ensure that maritime trade remains a driving force for the global economy, rather than a victim of conflict.
As a littoral state dependent on sea-borne trade, Pakistan is committed to enhancing maritime safety and security while adhering to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The country aims to collaborate with peace-loving nations around the world to promote a future where commerce can thrive without fear of disruption. By fostering diplomatic initiatives and seeking negotiated settlements, Pakistan hopes to play a pivotal role in restoring normalcy in maritime interactions for the prosperity of all nations.
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