Saudi Arabia to resume oil exports through Bab al-Mandeb Strait
04-08-2018 06:23 AM
Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Saturday oil shipments through the strategic Red Sea shipping lane of Bab al-Mandeb would resume on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Falih said the decision was made after the Arab coalition had completed all necessary security procedures.
Falih said the move would be in coordination with the international community and in accord with international law and related United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Saudi Arabia had announced on July 25 that oil shipments through Bab-El-Mandeb would be temporarily halted after the unsuccessful terrorist attacks carried by Iran-supported Houthi militia on two Saudi crude carriers.
Falih said: "The decision to resume oil shipment through the strait of Bab-El-Mandeb was made after the leadership of the Coalition has taken necessary measures to protect the Coalition States' ships."
He also expressed his confidence that the Kingdom-led Coalition has made all necessary security measures, in coordination with the international community, to minimize the risks which may threaten the Coalition States' ships that are navigating through the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb and the southern portion of the Red Sea, thus ensuring a continuous supply of energy to the world in accordance with the highest security standards and precautions.
He also emphasized that the security of the strait of Bab-El-Mandeb and the southern parts of the Red Sea is a joint international interest, towards which the whole international community should uphold its responsibilities.
The statement of the Minister came after a statement issued recently by the spokesperson of the Coalition Forces in which he confirmed that the Coalition Forces carried out an overall evaluation of the Houthi Militia attacks, which targeted the freedom of navigation through Bab-El-Mandeb, and that all necessary measures were taken to secure maritime navigation and international trade through the strait.
*Agencies