Nearly 100 countries have joined the Maritime Security Statement initiated by Bahrain, which condemns Iranian aggression and rejects its actions in closing the Strait of Hormuz and exploiting it as a political tool and economic resource.
Expressing his gratitude to the supporting countries, Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani said freedom of navigation is a fundamental pillar of the international law and peace, requiring full compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
He made the comments as he chaired yesterday the United Nations Security Council’s high-level open debate on maritime security held at Bahrain’s request in its capacity as council president for the month of April.
The session was attended by UN Secretary General António Guterres, International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, and Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Nick Childs.
The Foreign Minister said that the open debate – bringing together more than 80 countries – comes at a critical moment amid difficult global conditions, marked by mounting challenges and escalating direct threats to maritime security.
He noted that deliberate actions to obstruct freedom of navigation through international waterways endanger the global economy, international trade, and international peace and security.
Dr Al Zayani pointed out that more than 90,000 vessels sail daily across oceans and seas, facilitating global trade worth trillions of dollars, underscoring the need for a collective international response and highlighting that maritime security is more essential than ever.
Dr Al Zayani warned against the risks facing countries worldwide because of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s actions which are jeopardising the global economy and threatening the safety of millions.
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