Manama: By directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a virtual leaders' summit on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The summit was co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, and Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the summit attracted heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and representatives from approximately fifty countries across Europe, the Arab region, and Asia, along with international organizations. In his speech, the Foreign Minister praised the summit as a reaffirmation of the international community's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and opposing any attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz or hinder free passage.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasized Bahrain's dedication to diplomatic efforts focused on safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waterways and supporting practical measures to uphold this principle. He urged the international community to demonstrate a clear commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in both principle and practice. Additionally, he announced Bahrain's intention to submit a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, calling for the protection of maritime navigation in international waterways, and encouraged support for this initiative.
Participants at the summit stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a fundamental principle of international law and vital for global stability. They underscored that any closure of the Strait, imposition of charges on passage, or unilateral control of transit is both illegal and unacceptable. The summit attendees also highlighted the significant global economic consequences of disruptions in the Strait, including volatility in energy and food prices, which could exacerbate inflation and increase pressure on vulnerable, import-dependent countries.
Concerns were also raised about the humanitarian situation of stranded vessels and seafarers, with participants emphasizing the need to ensure their safety, facilitate evacuation when possible, and guarantee access to essential supplies and services. They reiterated support for de-escalation efforts, ceasefire, and negotiations, asserting that lasting stability can only be achieved through sustained political engagement rather than conflict. Furthermore, they expressed readiness to contribute to coordinated maritime security arrangements, in line with international law, to ensure safe navigation and reassure commercial shipping.