Tunisian authorities stopped a fishing vessel carrying 14 Egyptian fishermen and arrested them this week, after they illegally entered Tunisian waters, said Ambassador Mohamed Abdel Hakam, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and Egyptians Abroad.
The ambassador said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Egyptian Embassy in Tunisia made quick contact with the Tunisian authorities to release the fishermen and ensure their safe return.
Abdel Hakam stressed importance of respecting international laws and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the necessity of obtaining licenses before entering other countries' territorial waters.
He warned of the punishments for violators, including possible fines, seizure of boats and imprisonment.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
