Khaberni - The Kingdom of Bahrain announced today, Saturday, that it will contribute to the international efforts to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the Bahrain News Agency.
A joint statement was issued by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Kingdom, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Estonia, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and the Republic of Lithuania regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement "strongly condemned the recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial ships in the Gulf, and the attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, and the actual closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces".
The countries also "expressed our grave concern about the escalation of the conflict"; and called on Iran to immediately cease its threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to disrupt commercial navigation in the Strait, and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.
The statement considered that the freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including as provided for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; and the effects of Iran's actions will affect people all over the world, especially the most vulnerable groups.
In accordance with Security Council Resolution 2817, those countries affirmed that such interference in international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitutes a threat to international peace and security; in this regard, they called for a comprehensive and immediate cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.
They expressed their readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe transit through the Strait, and welcomed the commitment of the countries involved in preparatory planning in this regard. They also welcomed the decision by the International Energy Agency to authorize coordinated release of strategic oil reserves, affirming that they will take further steps to stabilize the energy markets, including working with some producing countries to increase production.
As the statement emphasized, those countries will also work to provide support to the most affected countries, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions. Pointing out that maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries; the countries participating in the statement called on the international community to respect international law and adhere to the fundamental principles of prosperity and international security.
