Manama: Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, strongly condemned the Iranian attack targeting the Saudi oil tanker "SIDR" while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the deaths of two Filipino sailors.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Saleh stated that the attack poses a direct threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and the free movement of commercial vessels in international waterways. He emphasized that it constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2817, and International Maritime Organisation resolutions.
Al Saleh also highlighted the longstanding ties and continued cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, fostered by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with the ongoing support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman asserted that the security and stability of Saudi Arabia are integral to Bahrain's national security, and that any threat to Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and vital interests also impacts Bahrain's security and stability.
In a cable of solidarity to Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al Sheikh, Speaker of the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia, Al Saleh affirmed Bahrain's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its security, the safety of its citizens, and its vital interests.
Al Saleh underscored the importance of the UN Security Council fulfilling its responsibilities and taking necessary measures to halt continued Iranian attacks threatening the security and safety of maritime navigation and freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways. He stressed the need to protect vessels and their crews, ensure the free and smooth flow of trade and energy, and enhance security and stability in the region.
The Chairman also extended condolences to the government and people of the Philippines and to the families, relatives, and colleagues of the two sailors.