Seoul's piracy meeting is attented by representatives from 34 countries and international maritime organizations.  Here delegates discuss the role that international organizations can play in suppressing piracy.  They also talk about what needs to happen in Somalia for the piracy to stop.

[Yasutoshi Nishimura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan]: "The broader situation in Somalia is at the root of the upsurge of piracy. Therefore, civilisation of Somalia is essential for a fundamental resolution of the piracy issue."
 
An International Maritime Organization representative re-emphasised the importance of international cooperation.

[Koji Sekimizu, General Secretary of IMO]: "To achieve those aims, the continued support of international society will be vital."
 
Japan and South Korea dispatched naval ships to the waters off Somalia in March to join the international effort to curb pirate attacks in the region.

South Korean cargo vessels have been captured by Somali pirates in recent years and sailors held hostage for ransom. In February, South Korean sailors were among 23 who who were released after being held for three months.
   
South Korea is the world's 5th largest crude oil buyer, making the dangerous Gulf of Aden a key shipping route for South Korean cargo vessels.