Saudi Arabia Emphasizes that Security of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a Common Priority
JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia said navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz was a shared global responsibility, stressing the need to protect energy, food and medical supply lines as the world faces what it described as an unprecedented conflict in the vital waterway.
Saudi Arabia renewed its call on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to explicitly condemn Iran's attacks on Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the regional crisis until the ceasefire agreement.
The Two Holy Mosques also stressed the need to respect state sovereignty, refrain from the use or threat of force, uphold the principles of good neighborliness, and take decisive steps to address Iran's violations, while ensuring the security of maritime routes, especially those related to energy and food supplies.
Speaking before the Security Council on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Abdulaziz al-Wasel, said the Gulf region was witnessing "rapid developments and unprecedented conflict conditions around the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital route not only for the region but also for the global economy," as reported by Al Arabiya (28/4).
Furthermore, he said, any threat to freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway would have a direct impact on the stability of the energy market, global supply chains, and the overall security of international economic activity.
On this occasion, Al-Wasel also expressed his regret that the Security Council had not been able to adopt a resolution on the Strait of Hormuz.
He warned that threats to navigation were a risk to international peace and security, urging Iran to comply with its international obligations.
Saudi Arabia reiterated its condemnation of any action or threat by Iran aimed at disrupting international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or undermining maritime security in Bab al-Mandeb, stressing that interference with freedom of navigation is a serious threat to global peace and security.
Saudi Arabia called for the strait to remain open in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Al-Wasel also reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for international and regional efforts to end the war and reduce tensions, praising the mediation efforts of friendly and allied countries, as well as the UN's initiatives aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution that will end the crisis and prevent further instability.
Saudi Arabia also expressed full support for the mediation efforts led by Pakistan to reach a lasting agreement that guarantees security and stability while addressing the long-standing issues that have contributed to instability for decades.
Al-Wasel stressed, "dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way to achieve lasting security and stability."
He underlined the need for Iran to fulfill its international commitments and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemned attacks that threatened regional stability and called for the protection of international navigation and the security of maritime corridors.