Philippines Expresses Gratitude to Iran for Assisting Galaxy Leader Crew’s Safe Return Home
The Philippines has expressed its gratitude to Iran for its vital role in securing the release of the crew from a British-owned ship, which included 17 Filipino nationals. This significant event comes over a year after the vessel was seized by Yemeni forces in a show of solidarity with Gaza.
In a recent letter addressed to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo emphasized that Iran’s commitment to facilitating the sailors’ release exemplifies the enduring friendship between the two nations.
On November 19, 2023, Yemeni forces captured the ship in the Red Sea, subsequently bringing it into Yemeni waters. This action was part of Yemen’s stated intention to target vessels connected to Israel amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
A Yemeni official, speaking to Al-Masirah TV, revealed that the release of the Galaxy Leader was executed under the orders of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement. The official highlighted that this release was aligned with Yemen’s efforts to support a ceasefire in Gaza and was coordinated with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Iran has actively worked over the past few months to secure the release and repatriation of the Galaxy Leader crew through various diplomatic channels, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation.
- Seizure Date: November 19, 2023
- Number of Filipino Crew Members: 17
- Involved Parties: Iran, Philippines, Yemen, Hamas
- Key Figure: Abdul Malik al-Houthi
This collaborative effort highlights the importance of diplomacy in resolving international maritime issues and reinforces the ties between Iran and the Philippines.
