President, Prime Minister Mitsotakis,
Thank you for convening this important open debate on Strengthening Maritime Security through International Cooperation for Global Stability. We thank also the Secretary General for the briefing you gave.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and my own country Norway.
The Nordic countries are all outward-facing coastal countries with open, globally connected economies, deeply reliant on the ocean. The ocean is central to our history, our livelihood, and our development. The security of our seafarers and maritime infrastructure as well as the protection of the health of the ocean are of vital importance to all Nordic countries. As firm believers in multilateralism anchored in international law, the Law of the Sea is our most important compass.
President,
We cannot allow militant groups to hold freedom of navigation and global maritime trade hostage. We have therefore condemned the illegal Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The attacks have caused the loss of innocent lives and have severely and negatively impacted free passage in the Red Sea area. They have made common goods like food, fuel and medicine more expensive.
Threats to maritime security, including piracy and armed robbery at sea, remain a serious global issue. It is important to continue efforts to stop these threats with all necessary means. We must maintain effective protective and deterrent measures. We must also continue efforts to address the underlying root causes that lead to piracy. The Nordic countries call upon all member states to criminalize, investigate and prosecute piracy and armed robbery at sea, in line with international law. We all have individual obligations in respect of the safety and security of the ocean.
President,
Russia uses its so-called shadow fleet to evade sanctions and fuel its war economy. The often sub-standard vessels and reckless shipping practices of the fleet pose a great risk to the environment, seafarers and maritime infrastructure, maritime safety and security, including in the coastal waters of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. In December 2023, the IMO adopted resolution A.1192(33), urging member states and all stakeholders to prevent the shadow fleet’s illegal operations. All Flag States have a legal obligation under UNCLOS to exercise effective jurisdiction and control over vessels flying their flag and to ensure compliance with international rules and standards. We are determined to take further coordinated steps to deter and counter the shadow fleet together with our partners.
President,
In 2022, as member of the Security Council, Norway together with Ghana held the pen on Resolution 2634 on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The resolution aimed to increase security for ships and sailors in the Gulf, safeguard the economic potential of countries in the region, and reaffirm that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework for all ocean activities globally. The resolution serves as an example of how this Council can be instrumental in developing and strengthening the maritime security order. We encourage the Council to remain actively engaged and take a proactive responsibility for maintaining the freedom and security of our ocean.
Thank you.