The UAE, together with the European Union, Cyprus, the U.S., and the U.K., have announced the launch of the Cyprus Maritime Corridor, a humanitarian initiative to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. The initiative, which was endorsed by a joint statement on March 8, 2024, aims to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and to support the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by the recent conflict with Israel.
The initiative is based on the Amalthea Initiative, a mechanism proposed by Cyprus to securely ship aid from Cyprus to Gaza via sea, under the supervision and verification of the UN. The initiative will involve the coordination and cooperation of various countries, organizations, and agencies, such as the European Commission, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the UAE, the UK, the US, the UN, and the Government of Israel.
The initiative will provide a maritime corridor to deliver additional amounts of humanitarian assistance by sea, supplementing the existing land and air routes, such as from Egypt and Jordan. The initiative will also establish a temporary pier in Gaza, with the help of the US military, to enable the delivery of significant quantities of assistance by sea. The initiative will also ensure the protection of civilian lives and the respect of international humanitarian law.
A Strategic Partnership
The initiative is also a manifestation of the strategic partnership and friendship between the UAE and Cyprus, as well as the other participating countries. The initiative reflects the shared values and interests of the partners, such as peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The initiative also demonstrates the commitment and leadership of the partners, especially the UAE and Cyprus, in addressing the regional challenges and opportunities.
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The initiative is also a result of the close cooperation and coordination between the UAE and Cyprus, as well as the other partners, in various fields and domains, such as diplomacy, security, trade, investment, tourism, culture, and education. The initiative also builds on the existing frameworks and platforms of cooperation, such as the UAE-Cyprus Joint Committee, the UAE-Cyprus Business Forum, the UAE-Cyprus Friendship Association, and the UAE-Cyprus Parliamentary Friendship Group.
The initiative is also an opportunity to enhance and expand the relations and cooperation between the UAE and Cyprus, as well as the other partners, in the future. The initiative will create new avenues and prospects for collaboration and dialogue, such as on the issues of energy, environment, innovation, and development. The initiative will also foster mutual understanding and trust, as well as people-to-people exchanges, between the UAE and Cyprus, as well as the other partners.
