UAE, DP World to hold anti-piracy conference April 18

UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DP World will host the anti-piracy maritime conference in Dubai on April 18-19 to address the damage to global trade estimated at US$12 billion.


The two-day event, entitled "Global Threat, Regional Responses: Forging A Common Approach to Maritime Piracy", will look at international law, causes of piracy, analysis and information sharing as well as opportunities for expanding civilian-military cooperation.


Maritime piracy is quickly becoming one of the most threatening challenges of the 21st century, said Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan.


"It hurts not only global trade and commerce, but also has a damaging impact on peace, security and stability in many regions of the world," he said, adding that "a successful response must address not just the symptoms of piracy, but also the underlying causes."


The impact in human cost, with 800 mariners held hostage on 40 vessels in appalling conditions, is immeasurable, said DP World chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem in a company statement.


"The private sector is directly impacted by piracy and the threat of piracy and therefore has a strong interest in finding solution," he said. "Countering piracy will not be achieved overnight - it will take a long term commitment from all involved."
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)