The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on August 6 that it held a meeting with relevant agencies to discuss preventive measures in response to the rising tensions and increased piracy activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
During the joint situation assessment meeting, chaired by Overseas Safety Planning Director Cho Joo-sung, officials shared updates on the regional situation and piracy trends. They also reviewed safety measures for South Korean ships and crew.
This meeting was the second assessment following the first one held in May. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of National Defense, and eight diplomatic missions near the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there were nine reported piracy incidents in the Somalia and Gulf of Aden region in the first half of this year, a threefold increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, there have been consecutive attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
Diplomatic missions in the region are closely monitoring developments and regularly checking the safety of South Korean ships and crew. They also plan to strengthen their cooperation network with relevant authorities, including the foreign ministries and navies of host and concurrent countries.
Director Cho stated, "We will continue to enhance communication among relevant agencies, keeping in mind the possibility of incidents involving our ships and crew at any time."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.