Statement by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Alexis Vafeades, at the Security Council High Level Open Debate

From:

Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works

21/05/25 17:29 | Speech / Address | Transport, Communications and Works

“Strengthening Maritime Security through International Cooperation for Global Stability”

Mr President,

Allow me at the outset to commend the Greek Presidency of the Security Council for convening this open debate on the increasingly urgent issue of maritime security – a matter that lies at the intersection of global peace, economic development, environmental protection, and human security.

I wish also to express our appreciation to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General and the other two distinguished briefers for their meaningful statements.

Cyprus aligns itself with the European Union (EU) statement and I would like to add the following remarks in my national capacity.

As a small island state with a distinct role in maritime activities, the Republic of Cyprus is acutely aware of the indispensable part that our seas play in ensuring security, prosperity, sustainable development and environmental protection for our countries and regions.

In recent years, security threats and challenges at sea have multiplied, requiring enhanced collective action. We witness deliberate violations of the sovereign rights of states through the conduct of illegal drillings and unauthorised surveys in their maritime zones by third countries. At the same time, maritime routes are increasingly instrumentalised for smuggling and human trafficking, deliberately aimed at destabilising regions and undermining the rule of law. Such challenges are compounded by non-state actors involved in piracy, trafficking and maritime terrorism, threatening critical infrastructure and jeopardising security, global trade and the environment. With 90% of commerce at sea, attacks at critical areas like the Gulf of Aden can disrupt supply chains, raise costs, cause shortages and trigger environmental disasters.

Mr President,

Cyprus firmly believes that a coordinated, holistic and multidimensional approach – at national, regional and international level – is essential to effectively address these threats. The existing body of international law provides a robust foundation that must be rigorously upheld and further reinforced, and as such, there is no need for new legal instruments.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), which codifies customary international law and is thus binding on all States, irrespective of whether they have acceded to the Convention or not – provides the legal framework for all activities in oceans and seas, including countering illicit activities. Within the framework of the International Maritime Organisation, we can further enhance coordination and implementation.

To translate these commitments into concrete results, Cyprus proposes four strategic priorities:

First, UN member states must adopt comprehensive national strategies aligned with the international framework to counter terrorism, transnational organised crime, migrant smuggling and human trafficking. These strategies should be supported by strong legal and judicial mechanisms to criminalise and prosecute such offences.

Second, we must strengthen regional and international cooperation through joint naval exercises, maritime patrols and regional task forces, and improved intelligence-sharing.

Third, it is crucial to establish common standards for defence technologies and to invest in training and capacity-building in the marine domain, especially in vulnerable regions and for developing states.

Fourth, it is essential to follow up on ongoing multilateral processes such as the Global Digital Compact and explore how emerging technologies – including artificial intelligence – can bolster maritime security and cybersecurity for public authorities and maritime stakeholders.

Mr President,

Cyprus reiterates its unwavering commitment to advancing maritime security through partnership, shared responsibility and respect for international law. We therefore urge all UN member states that have yet to accede to UNCLOS, the SUA Protocols, or the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), to do so without delay.

By upholding these foundational legal instruments and translating our commitments into coordinated action, we can protect international navigation, secure global trade and supply chains, and contribute to lasting global stability.

Thank you.

(SuP/LY/MS)

Statement by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Alexis Vafeades, at the Security Council High Level Open Debate

You may also like