New york: As part of the Kingdom of Bahrain's presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of April, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired today the Council's high-level open debate on maritime security. The session was convened at Bahrain's request in its capacity as President of the Security Council, and was attended by Ant³nio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization; and Nick Childs, Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Foreign Minister delivered a statement emphasizing the critical importance of maritime security, especially in light of current international challenges and threats to freedom of navigation. The debate saw the participation of over eighty countries, highlighting the global concern over deliberate actions obstructing international waterways. The minister underscored the need for a collective international response to ensure maritime security, which is vital for global trade and economic stability.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed appreciation to the countries supporting a joint statement on maritime security, which condemns Iran's actions in the Gulf region. The statement rejects Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its imposition of fees on this vital international waterway. The Foreign Minister stressed the necessity of adhering to international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to safeguard freedom of navigation.
The minister highlighted the risks posed by Iran's actions, which endanger global economies and threaten the safety of countless individuals. He called for practical measures to strengthen international maritime rules and reaffirmed the importance of Security Council resolutions and declarations that emphasize the safety of international navigation.
The debate also addressed the economic impact of these maritime disruptions, urging the international community to recognize the grave repercussions of Iran's actions. The minister noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to the detention of cargo ships and stranded thousands of seafarers, with significant economic losses worldwide.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Zayani called for an international response to uphold maritime security as a shared responsibility, urging nations to act collectively to prevent future threats to global trade routes. The joint statement on maritime security, supported by numerous countries and organizations, reaffirms the importance of free navigation and condemns any unlawful restrictions on maritime rights and freedoms.