Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-Chairman Aboubaker Omar of the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) hosted Admiral Vasileios Cryparis, Commander of the EU naval force Operation ASPIDES, and EU Ambassador Sylvie Tabesse at Red Sea World.

The meeting aimed to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Aden, the southern Red Sea, and Bab el Mandeb, key maritime routes critical to global trade.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between DPFZA and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES to address rising security threats and recent attacks on vessels. The incidents, including the attack on the tanker Sounion, which was transporting 1 million barrels of crude oil, have raised significant environmental concerns. Experts warn that the potential spill could be four times the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster.

Chairman Aboubaker Omar reaffirmed Djibouti’s commitment to supporting EUNAVFOR ASPIDES with marine services and fuel supplies, ensuring the safety of these vital routes. The EU praised DPFZA’s role in maintaining maritime security, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in safeguarding trade and preventing environmental catastrophes.

This collaboration underscores the shared responsibility in securing global supply chains and protecting the marine environment in the region.