The meeting participants focused on additional measures to neutralise terrorist threats to vessels transiting from Russian ports. The proposed measures are aimed at ensuring Russia’s sovereign rights in the World Ocean, free navigation and the protection of vessels registered under the flag of the Russian Federation.
The meeting also discussed the effectiveness of interaction of ship owners and operators with seaport administrations and the Navy, primarily in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea basin and the Baltic Maritime Zone, and formulated tasks of strengthening control over vessels transporting cargo in Russia’s interests.
Special attention was given at the meeting to the situation following the terrorist attack on the Arctic Metagaz LNG carrier, which was sailing in the Mediterranean Sea under the Russian flag. The participants highlighted the importance of establishing the causes and identifying the culprits responsible for damaging the tanker, adding that it is important to use the evidence to formulate Russia’s position that under international law liability for damages lies with the aggressor.
They also recommended establishing cooperation with the coastal states on the Mediterranean Sea to jointly address the consequences of the terrorist attack and prevent an environmental disaster.