RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji on Thursday participated via videoconference in a high-level ministerial meeting focused on coordinating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting, chaired by the United Kingdom and attended by representatives from 35 countries, discussed practical measures to safeguard freedom of navigation in key waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb and surrounding international waters, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Participants, during the virtual meeting, emphasised the importance of ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz to maintain regional and global security and stability.
The discussions also reiterated strong condemnation of any actions or threats by Iran aimed at disrupting international navigation or undermining maritime security in these critical passages.
Officials stressed that any obstruction to freedom of navigation poses a serious threat to international peace and security and requires a coordinated global response to ensure safe and secure shipping routes.
The meeting was also attended by Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khaled bin Saud Al Kabeer, Director General of Policy Planning, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s continued engagement in international efforts to enhance maritime security.
