South Korea will chair a meeting in New York next Wednesday of an international liaison group established to combat the threat of Somali pirates.

The meeting will bring together representatives from some 50 countries and international organizations to discuss joint measures against Somali pirates, whose actions pose a threat to international maritime safety.

Participants will discuss comprehensive joint antipiracy measures such as potential military action, moves to punish pirates, helping shipping companies protect themselves and boosting development in Somalia and other neighboring African countries.

In a recent report to the U.N. Security Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the trend of increased levels of violence employed by the pirates as well as their expanding reach is disconcerting.

He asked that shipping firms adhere to recommendations and management practices that have proved to significantly reduce the risk of being hijacked.