Belgium showcases mine clearance expertise to Gulf states in Ostend
Defence minister Theo Francken welcomed representatives from five Gulf states to Ostend on Wednesday, visiting the NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence and technology company Exail. The delegation included officials from Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Strait of Hormuz is critical for global energy supplies and trade, but ships are hesitant to sail through due to the threat of Iranian sea mines. As one of the world's specialists in mine clearance, Gulf countries are looking towards Belgium to demine the strait.
On Tuesday, a delegation from the region visited Ostend to find out more about these technologies. The group visited the NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence and Exail, a company specialising in underwater drones for the detection and destruction of sea mines. Francken gave a live demonstration of one of its systems.
"The Gulf states are looking for partners and expertise to build up their mine clearance capacity and guarantee freedom of navigation," Francken said. Belgium can contribute through training, cooperation and operational deployment. Courses are already planned for Qatar, and other countries have expressed interest.
Rising demand
According to Francken, the Gulf states are also showing interest in Belgian defence technology, which could lead to contracts for the sector.
Exail CEO Steven Luys confirmed that global demand for mine clearance systems is rising sharply amid tensions in the Middle East. The company has previously supplied systems to the Emirates and is planning to expand its production capacity in Ostend, with dozens of additional staff to be recruited this year.
Helping the Gulf states is also in Belgium's own best interests, the Defence minister added. "The ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are partly dependent on safe maritime routes. A solution for the Strait of Hormuz is good for everyone," he said.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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