Riyadh, Muharram 21, 1439, October 11, 2017, SPA -- Public Transport Authority (PTA) has confirmed that the Kingdom is at the forefront of the international scene in support of maritime safety and the security of the maritime transport environment through its great attention to countering the phenomenon of maritime piracy as its presence comes in line with its responsibility towards its coastline extending to 2,400 km on the Red Sea in the Kingdom's west and extends 1000 km to its east on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. The Authority explained in a statement that this global distinguished presence of the Kingdom is based on its membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its membership in the International Anti-Piracy Group and its task forces. It said that the world is also witnessing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's continuous efforts to promote regional and international action to combat piracy in the region's countries to achieve its interests and the interests of the neighboring countries, as well as supporting brotherly and friendly countries in confronting the difficulties associated with combating piracy and its grave crimes. --SPA 21:13 LOCAL TIME 18:13 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w510065