Bahrain has reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation in international waterways and support practical measures to uphold this principle.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani delivered the message as he participated in a virtual leaders’ summit on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on the directive of His Majesty King Hamad.
The summit was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
It brought together heads of states and governments, foreign ministers and representatives of around 50 countries from Europe, the Arab region and Asia, in addition to international organisations.
The Foreign Minister welcomed the forum as a reaffirmation of the international community’s commitment to freedom of navigation and its rejection of attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz or obstruct free passage. He called on the international community to demonstrate a clear commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in both principle and practice.
He also announced that Bahrain will submit a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council calling for the protection of maritime navigation in international waterways and urged support for the initiative.
Participants emphasised that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a fundamental principle of international law and essential to global stability, stressing that any closure of the Strait, imposition of charges on passage, or unilateral control of transit is illegal and unacceptable.
They noted that disruptions in the Strait have significant consequences for the global economy, including volatility in energy and food prices, exacerbating inflation, and increased pressure on vulnerable and import dependent countries.
Participants also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation of stranded vessels and seafarers, stressing the need to ensure their safety, facilitate evacuation where possible, and guarantee access to essential supplies and services.
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