l’Algérie insiste sur le règlement pacifique des litiges maritimes
Summary of Algeria’s Stance on Maritime Security and International Cooperation
At a recent high-level open debate of the United Nations Security Council in New York, Algeria’s political coordinator, M. Dahmane Yahiaoui, emphasized the necessity of peacefully resolving maritime disputes while respecting national sovereignty and non-interference in internal matters. This commitment aligns with Algeria’s broader engagement in international efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security.
In his address, Yahiaoui articulated Algeria’s position that all initiatives to strengthen maritime security must adhere to United Nations Charter principles, particularly emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution and rejection of selective security measures that could lead to unilateral actions or illegitimate maritime claims.
Algeria expressed its strong dedication to participating in global efforts to safeguard maritime security, asserting that the protection of seas and oceans is integral to promoting international order based on peace, justice, and sustainable development for all nations. The country highlighted the increasing importance of international judicial mechanisms, especially the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), in upholding the rule of law and ensuring consistent interpretation of international norms regarding maritime issues.
Yahiaoui also underscored the pivotal role of the Security Council in addressing global maritime security threats and called for cooperation between the Council and the UN General Assembly. This collaboration is viewed as essential for fostering mutual understanding and developing multilateral frameworks to tackle maritime security challenges effectively.
Addressing specific threats such as piracy, armed attacks on ships, organized crime, illegal fishing, terrorism, and clandestine migration, Algeria advocated for a comprehensive approach based on international cooperation, information sharing, capacity building, and adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Moreover, Algeria urged support for developing countries, especially those in Africa, through sustainable funding to enhance their national capacities, maritime surveillance, and access to technology and training. This capacity-building is crucial for these countries to assert their rights over maritime territories and combat growing threats.
Yahiaoui pointed to the 2013 Yaoundé Declaration framework as a significant step toward strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, which fosters regional collaboration, information exchange, and capability enhancement. He stressed the importance of leveraging this model through sustained international support and equitable partnerships to effectively address maritime threats.
Believing in the Mediterranean as a peaceful space, Algeria submits an annual resolution to the General Assembly aimed at boosting security and cooperation in the region. The most recent resolution, adopted in December 2024, reiterates the vital role of Mediterranean countries in fostering peace and cooperation, encouraging them to unify efforts to eliminate tensions and seek just and lasting solutions to ongoing problems through peaceful means.
In conclusion, Algeria’s statements at the UN reflect its strong commitment to multilateral cooperation, respect for international law, and the aspiration to enhance maritime security to achieve global stability and peace.
