JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Ireland have stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of international waterways while reaffirming their commitment to upholding freedom of navigation.
The views were expressed during a meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence of Ireland Helen McEntee in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors, with the aim of broadening the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Ireland and advancing their shared interests.
#Jeddah | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan received @HMcEntee Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Minister of Defence. pic.twitter.com/l71MfxaWSV
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) July 7, 2026
They also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, focusing on ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and create conditions conducive to comprehensive and peaceful solutions to the conflict in the region.
Both sides underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to resolve crises, restore regional stability, and ensure the safety of international waterways and the freedom of navigation.
Furthermore, they explored opportunities to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors, and capitalise on the opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030, thereby enhancing trade and mutual investments between the two countries.
Earlier, an oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an “unknown projectile” while sailing near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
UKMTO WARNING 080-26 – ATTACK
Click here to view UKMTO Products⤵️ https://t.co/Oc7hGsk3Do#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/uK8cm9a76M
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) July 6, 2026
The incident occurred off the coast of Oman as the tanker was travelling southbound through waters close to one of the world’s busiest energy shipping corridors.
In a maritime advisory, the UKMTO said the vessel reported being hit on its port side by an unidentified projectile, which ignited a fire on board.
Authorities are expected to investigate the incident as concerns persist over maritime security in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes.
