Saudi Arabia affirmed its commitment to continued international and regional efforts to enhance marine resource sustainability, combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and support fisheries governance supporting global food security and marine ecosystem sustainability.
This came during the Kingdom's participation in the 37th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI37) and the high-level event marking the 10th anniversary of the Agreement on Port State Measures, both held at FAO headquarters in Rome.
The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Ali Alshaikhi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. Speaking at the high-level event, Dr. Alshaikhi emphasized that the Kingdom considers oceans and seas a shared heritage and a vital pillar of food security, development, and prosperity. He noted that challenges facing marine resources transcend national borders, demanding a unified global response rooted in cooperation, transparency, innovation, and actionable commitment.
Dr. Alshaikhi noted that, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom continues to enhance its national fisheries management system. This includes strengthening governance and compliance frameworks, boosting inspection efficiency, improving data quality, and leveraging modern tracking and monitoring technologies, all aimed at promoting sustainable marine resource management, ensuring supply chain transparency, and driving the growth of the blue economy.
He highlighted the Red Sea's strategic importance in Saudi Arabia's sustainability efforts, owing to its unique biodiversity and ecologically and economically vital ecosystems. Furthermore, Dr. Alshaikhi underscored the imperative of fostering regional partnerships among Red Sea coastal states and expanding data-sharing mechanisms to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.
The Kingdom's participation comes as part of the 37th session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI), taking place from September 7–11, 2026, to address key global issues in fisheries and aquaculture. Reaffirming its dedication, Saudi Arabia pledged to continue working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), member states, and international partners to advance sound fisheries governance, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, enhance global food security, and turn international commitments into lasting impact.