DUBAI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Thursday it has joined International Maritime Security Construct, an international alliance that aims to protect the safety of maritime navigation and international trade, the official WAM news agency reported.
Salem Al Zaabi, director of the International Security Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the UAE's accession to the alliance aims to secure the flow of energy supplies to the global economy and contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.
He added the alliance protects the interests of its members and their merchant ships when passing through maritime corridors. Its operation area covers the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia has joined the International Maritime Security Construct, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The Gulf has witnessed in recent months attacks against oil tankers and other ships navigating the regional seas.
In May, explosions damaged oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz after the energy infrastructures in the region have been repeatedly targeted.
The attacks culminated with the assault last Saturday on the world's biggest oil processor in eastern Saudi Arabia, which halved the oil-rich kingdom's production and caused energy prices to spike.
