The code of conduct, framed in Djibouti, is a regional agreement that provides cooperation among signatory states for the repression of sea piracy through existing resources.

In January last year, the Kingdom participated in the meeting organized by the International Maritime Organization in Djibouti where the code of conduct was drafted for the Protection of Vital Shipping Lanes. It focused on maritime security, piracy and armed robbery against ships for states from the western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea areas.

The code of conduct includes investigation, arrest and prosecution of persons suspected of having committed an act of piracy and armed robbery against ships; the interdiction and seizure of suspect ships and property on board such ships; and the facilitation of proper care and treatment of seafarers and passengers who have been subjected to piracy and armed robbery.

Sunday’s session was chaired by Vice President of the Shoura Council Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar. Its chairman, Abdullah Al-Asheikh, is currently visiting Albania.

The council's secretary-general, Muhammed Al-Ghamdi, who made a statement following the session, said the repression of armed robbery and sea piracy was debated when the council's security affairs committee presented its report on the code of conduct.

The council also approved a draft memorandum of understanding on scientific and educational cooperation between the Ministry of Higher Education and its counterpart in New Zealand.

The draft, which included 19 articles, aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship existing between the two countries.