Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani yesterday met international media representatives at the United Nations headquarters, as Bahrain chaired a high-level open debate of the Security Council on ‘The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain’, held at its request.
The minister said the session comes at a time of growing concern over the security of international maritime navigation, particularly in strategic waterways that constitute vital arteries for global trade, energy security and economic stability.
He added that recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz have underscored the serious risks associated with any disruption to these routes and the far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the region.
Dr Al Zayani noted that, reflecting the shared concerns of the international community, he was delivering the joint statement on behalf of a large group of United Nations member states, currently numbering close to 100 countries. He indicated that the full list of participating states would be published on the official website and through other official media channels.
The Foreign Minister, in the statement, said, “We reaffirm our full support for Resolution 2817, condemning Iran’s attacks against regional neighbours. Their closure of the Strait of Hormuz and continued attacks in the Strait are a threat to international security and to navigational rights and freedoms. Free navigation through the Strait is a cornerstone of global security and prosperity.
“Navigational rights and freedoms must not be unlawfully threatened or suspended. We reiterate our call for the urgent and unimpeded opening of the strait. We reject any effort to unlawfully threaten or suspend navigational rights and freedoms, including through the imposition of tolls which would be a breach of international law, as reflected in UNCLOS.
“We are already seeing global consequences from Iranian actions which are impeding international shipping, driving up costs and sending shock waves through energy markets and crucial supply chains far beyond the region, including for vulnerable economies and food-insecure populations.
“We reaffirm our support for the vital work of the International Maritime Organisation and partners in the region. We will continue to support them and work with the shipping industry to ensure they can resume operations as soon as conditions permit.”
Dr Al Zayani expressed his appreciation to all signatories that have joined the joint statement thus far, noting that the door remains open for other UN member states to join.
Countries that have joined the statement
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belize, Canada, Chile, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Sudan, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, the UAE, Uganda, the UK, Ukraine, United States, Yemen, GCC, Arab League and European Union.
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