New york: As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts at the United Nations Security Council, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting at the Kingdom of Bahrain's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York with the permanent representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The meeting was attended by Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.
According to Bahrain News Agency, during the discussions, the Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation to the foreign ministers of the GCC states and Jordan for their continued coordination and close engagement in advancing diplomatic efforts at the Security Council. These efforts aim to secure the adoption of a consensus draft resolution on the protection of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The draft resolution, submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the GCC countries and Jordan, is currently before the Council for consideration.
The minister also commended the permanent representatives for their effective diplomatic engagement and their ongoing consultations with Security Council members.
Dr. Al Zayani highlighted the importance of the unified position of the GCC countries and Jordan, as well as the strong coordination among their representatives, in addressing current challenges. He underscored the need for sustained diplomatic action in response to what he described as the continued disruption of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
He also commended the level of coordination and dialogue with Security Council member states aimed at reaching agreement on a final draft resolution aligned with the shared objectives of the GCC countries and Jordan. These include the swift reopening of the strait to international shipping and mitigating the broader global impact of its closure on the world economy, energy security, international trade, and the supply of essential goods, including food and medicine, while safeguarding regional security and stability.
The Foreign Minister stressed that, at this critical juncture, the GCC countries and Jordan bear a political responsibility to intensify diplomatic efforts and maintain close coordination with regional and international partners. He emphasised the importance of resolving the crisis stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation, which he characterised as a violation of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.