May 31, 2022
2 mins read

US discusses risk of Red Sea oil spill with Saudi

Blinken in the call with the FM also highlighted the importance of international support for Ukraine amid Russia’ invasion and discussed the emerging food security crisis resulting from the war in Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (local time), in a call, thanked the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud for ceasefire efforts in Yemen and discussed efforts to avert the economic, environmental, and humanitarian threats posed by the Safer oil tanker in the Red Sea region.

State Department noted that the Safer oil tanker is a “rapidly decaying and unstable supertanker that contains four times the amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez”.

Notably, on March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling 11 million gallons of oil. Large scale spill in an ecologically sensitive location resulted in one of the largest environmental disasters in US history.

On the dangers posed by the Safer oil tanker, the statement read, “It could leak, spill, or explode at any time, severely disrupting shipping routes in the Gulf region and other industries across the Red Sea region, unleashing an environmental disaster, and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen,” the statement had read.

As per the release, by October, high winds and volatile currents will make the UN operation more dangerous and increase the risk of the ship breaking apart. In the event of a spill, the cleanup alone is expected to cost USD 20 billion.

Blinken in the call with the FM also highlighted the importance of international support for Ukraine amid Russia’ invasion and discussed the emerging food security crisis resulting from the war in Ukraine.

“The Secretary underscored the importance of international support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasized the need for a global response to the food security crisis resulting from President Putin’s brutal war,” a statement by the State Department read.

Secretary Blinken and the Saudi Foreign Minister also discussed the challenge posed by Iran’s nuclear program and its “destabilizing behaviour in the region, and opportunities for greater cooperation on regional issues”. (ANI)

ALSO READ-UAE, Turkey review developing defence cooperation

Previous Story

UAE, Turkey review developing defence cooperation

Next Story

Dubai royal is first woman to pilot AW609 tiltrotor

Latest from -Top News

World Bank Warns of Growing Poverty in Pakistan

Instead of concentrating on rural development to reduce poverty, the Pakistan government has been focused more on increasing defence expenditure….reports Asian Lite News The World Bank has voiced deep concern over Pakistan’s

Hasina Faces Arrest in War Crimes Probe

Two formal charges were submitted by the ICT prosecution against Hasina and her security and defence advisor, Tarique Ahmed Siddique….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday issued arrest

Peace in Afghanistan Vital, Says India

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar who expressed support for independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News On Tuesday, India reaffirmed that a

India, Qatar Strengthen Trade Ties

Goyal expressed optimism about the growing economic engagement between the two countries, stating, “Glad to meet Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Trump Appeals New York Civil Fraud Judgment

Trump filed a notice of appeal with the court on

China’s alleged theft of military tech a concern for US

The US State Department described China’s “military-civil fusion” strategy and