(Continued) The safety and protection of waterways in the maritime domain - Security Council, 10145th meeting

The 10,145th meeting of the Security Council is resumed. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Johann von der Pohl.

Von der Pohl.

Mr. President, good afternoon, everybody.

Germany aligns itself.

With the EU statement to be delivered later. Kitchens stay cold because liquid gas doesn't flow. Rice stops to grow because fertilizers can't be applied. Assembly lines stop running because energy has become a scar resource. This is what happens globally when maritime security is attacked. Mr. President, maritime security is not an abstract concept. It is the very foundation of our interconnected global economy. Every country, whether coastal or landlocked, is directly or indirectly dependent on secure maritime routes and free and safe navigation. This creates not only prosperity, but also vulnerability. Disruptions in only one strategic waterway have the potential to affect livelihoods, stability, and economic resilience worldwide. In the Gulf, Iran has created an armed network of militias destabilizing the whole region. We recount attacks on commercial vessels, kidnapping, and unlawful seizures. Such actions constitute clear violations of international law, including the law of the sea, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. And so does requesting toll payments. Continued escalation, including missile attacks against civilian targets in the Gulf States, risks further destabilization. And the effects go far beyond the Gulf. Already now, the lack of fertilizer will lead to lower than usual rice harvests in Asia. Already now, food prices on markets in Africa are rising because of much higher transportation costs. Already now, humanitarian aid becomes less available for the most vulnerable. This vicious circle has to stop before it is too late and before more people suffer. Iran has to reopen the Strait of Hormuz now. At the same time, Germany supports the UN task force set up to mitigate these risks, as we hope that others can support the UN's crucial and life-saving efforts. Mr. President, please allow me now to thank you for the leadership you have shown in the past weeks by tabling two resolutions in the Security Council: Resolution 2817 is a crystal clear testament to the global opposition to the reckless actions at hand. Germany regrets that the Security Council was unable to adopt the second draft resolution. Germany is prepared to help ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities have ceased. Our message, in coordination with all our partners, is this: Iran must stop attacking other countries. It must end its nuclear programme. The Strait of Hormuz must be open to free and safe maritime traffic to the benefit of all. Thank you so much.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Badifol for this statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Enrique Ojeda.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. We would like to thank you for convening this open debate, which is extremely timely given the diplomatic efforts to contribute to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. We underline the importance of preserving this and other strategic waterways to ensure the freedom of maritime transit and reestablish conditions of safety for seafarers. Mr. President, maritime security should be anchored in prevention, constant vigilance, innovation, and the continued strengthening of regional and international cooperation. Around 2 million seafarers are operating over 100,000 merchant vessels. Their work is critical for global trade. Therefore, it is indispensable to ensure that their transit can happen in conditions of safety and well-being. Given the current context of conflict, any reference to maritime security should be based on the strict compliance on behalf of all parties of applicable international law, and this includes the law of the sea and international humanitarian law. The principles of necessity and proportionality, as well as humanitarian safeguards, should be observed with strict compliance. In that sense, Mexico reaffirms the need to respect the exercise of the rights and freedom of navigation of merchant and commercial vessels. Operational risks for navigation should be mitigated, and we should safeguard the protection of the environment based on international law. Any action or threat in order to close, impede, or hinder in any other way navigation in straits used for international navigation is simply unacceptable. Mexico reiterates the importance of the role carried out by the specialized agencies of the United Nations as the ideal spaces to carry out a technical analysis of cross-cutting issues. This includes maritime security, air security, food security, and telecommunications. At the same time, we underline that issues relating to international peace and security should be addressed within this Council. In technical bodies, Mexico has promoted approaches based on protecting the civilian population, facilitating safe corridors, and preserving the freedom of navigation, on the basis of humanitarian imperatives and maintaining the stability of the global economy. We have also ensured that we keep specialized character and that we avoid politicizing the mandates of these bodies. President, Mexico rejects any kind of unilateral coercive measure that hinders the delivery of humanitarian assistance based on international humanitarian law on waterways. This Council is the only international organ which is authorized to impose sanctions on countries based on exhaustive debates carried out in good faith-based on the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. Finally, Mr. President, as a coastal state that borders two different oceans and a historic calling, In favor of peace and international maritime cooperation, Mexico would like to reiterate its commitment to multilateral work, work that is inclusive and based on international law in order to safeguard maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime protection is a collective responsibility, and therefore, the Security Council should assume its responsibility to safeguard it. I thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Ochoa. for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Jocke Salobara, Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

President, I have the honour to speak today on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, finland. We commend the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this high-level open debate and thank the briefers for their insight. The Nordic countries are coastal countries with open, globally connected economies deeply reliant on the ocean. The security of our seafarers and maritime infrastructure is of vital importance to us. The law of the sea, as reflected in the UNCLOS, is our legal compass for all activities in the ocean and the seas. In essence, maritime security is about freedom: the freedom of navigation, the freedom from piracy and other illicit activities at sea and beneath it, and the freedom to use the ocean safely and sustainably in accordance with international law. These freedoms are increasingly challenged today. The Nordic countries are concerned over conflicts that affect innocent passage, transit passage, as well as freedom of navigation, threatening not only maritime security, but also the safety of seafarers. Protection of merchant ships and their crews is a shared concern of flag, port and coastal states. Multilateral cooperation and information sharing among States are vital to the maintenance of maritime security. The IMO remains the appropriate technical lead for maritime safety and environmental protection. The Security Council, however, bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. When conflicts endanger the security and freedom of navigation, we expect the Council to take prompt action. President, the Strait of Hormuz must be kept open and free for transit. The current situation has far-reaching consequences for the global economy, energy supply, and food security, and especially for people and countries already in vulnerable situations. We call on all parties to engage in diplomacy and to refrain from the use of force. In crises like these, it is crucial that we lower tensions, allow time for negotiations, and let cool-headedness prevail. We stand ready to support efforts that can help ensure navigational rights and freedoms in the strait, including efforts by the Secretary General and the personal envoy and task force he has designated for this purpose. Such efforts should be informed by close engagement with the Gulf countries. We underline the urgent needs of stranded seafarers and commend the efforts of the International Maritime Organization to enable their evacuation. In Europe, Russia is continuing its hybrid activities in the maritime space. Its shadow fleet and interference of satellite navigation systems have direct impact on our national security. These irresponsible actions have led to a deterioration of the security situation in the Baltic Sea region as a whole. President, while we need to address these urgent threats and challenges, we must not lose sight of the long-term strategic issues linked to maritime affairs. How the health of the ocean will affect future life conditions on this planet. As coastal states of the Baltic Sea, as well as Arctic countries, the Nordic countries are firmly committed to the protection of the ocean and regional seas. We are delighted that the BBNJ agreement on maritime biological diversity of areas beyond natural jurisdiction has entered into force and encourage all states to consider becoming party to this important new instrument of international law. Thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Salovara for the statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Audra Pilevita, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania.

Mr. President, Excellencies, at the outset, I would like to thank the Ukrainian President for this timely debate. Lithuania aligns with the EU statement, and I would like to make a statement in my national capacity. Maritime security is inseparable from international peace and security, resilient supply chain, and the rules-based international order. Today, all three are under increasing strain. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that insecurity at sea can produce consequences far beyond the immediate region. Russia's blockade of the Black Sea, attacks against Ukrainian ports, and deliberate weaponization of food exports contributed to a global grain crisis that affected the most vulnerable countries most severely. These were not incidental consequences of war. They were deliberate actions that violated international law and undermined global stability. We are now witnessing another serious disruption by Russia's ally, Iran, in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital maritime corridors. Any interference with freedom of navigation through its waterway is unacceptable. The international community must act with urgency to safeguard safe, orderly, and predictable maritime transit. The freedom of navigation, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be respected by all states. At the same time, this principle cannot be invoked to conceal conduct that threatens maritime safety or undermines international law. In this regard, Lithuania reiterates the importance of the recently adopted IMO Council resolution condemning attacks on international shipping and the disruption of critical maritime routes. We also welcome the initiative of the Secretary-General to establish a task force aimed at ensuring safe, orderly, and predictable maritime transit. We also commend France and the United Kingdom in building broad maritime coalition in line with the UN Charter. And Lithuania stands ready to contribute to these collective efforts, including by providing demining capabilities. Mr. President, we are also concerned that shadow fleet is still used by certain countries, including the member of the Security Council, to circumvent sanction regimes. They operate under the false flags and violate international maritime law. These vessels pose a significant threat to environment and critical maritime infrastructure. At the same time, this maritime infrastructure, including undersea cables, is being increasingly targeted by hybrid attacks, including sabotage, cyber, and deliberate signal interference. Lithuania calls to address these threats by enhanced information sharing, stronger coordination, and sustained international cooperation. Mr. President, the safety of the maritime domain is a shared responsibility. We must ensure that the seas remain open, secure, and governed by international law. Lithuania remains committed to work with partners to uphold these principles. I thank you.

I thank Her Excellency Ms. Le Pape for this statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Marek Štok, State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia.

Mr. President, Excellencies, good afternoon. I align myself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Mr. President, maritime security is nowadays under severe strain, facing complex challenges with implications for international peace and security. Several geopolitical tensions exist at sea. For a landlocked country like Slovakia, these tensions heavily impact our energy security. With recent interruption of the Druzhba pipeline, any prolonged disruption of maritime routes represent a major strategic challenge. Cyber threats against port infrastructure are growing, as are threats to critical undersea infrastructure. Illegal activities, including piracy and trafficking, remains a major concern. while new technologies such as low-cost drones pose new risks to vessels and civilian crews. These transnational maritime challenges require a coherent and coordinated multilateral response.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes the legal framework for all maritime activities, And in that sense, we call for the respect of the rights and freedoms of navigation enshrined in the aforementioned Convention, Mr. President. Beyond the human toll, the war in the Middle East has a direct impact on international maritime transportation. We call upon the Security Council to actively address the situation in the region of the Persian Gulf. It is essential to fully reestablish navigation, safe navigation, in the Strait of Hormuz because there is no other immediate alternative to ship high volumes of strategic products through without this strait. We hope that the current ceasefire efforts will be prolonged and replaced by through negotiations in order to avoid any kind of additional escalation or a physical blockade of the strait, which should be avoided at any price. Slovakia would like to express its clear support to its GCC partners. We express our solidarity by all of those that have been affected by attacks against civilian and energy infrastructure, and we remain ready to offer expertise in order to mitigate the impact of war on land and water resources once the conflict has finished. We also encourage the Council to deepen its coordination with international partners in order to address threats on global maritime security. What is most important is the Council's capacity to effectively discharge its main responsibility in order to reach a global and sustainable peace. We join all of those who call for more unity in the Council in order to address the intensification of global conflicts. This includes the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. Mr. President, despite the fact that Slovakia is At Psean, without direct access to the sea, we are actively modernizing and developing our transport infrastructure in order to integrate ourselves into regional maritime networks. Our companies are more implicated in maritime trade and international transportation. My country participated in the naval missions IRINI and ASPIDES of the EU in order to ensure the freedom of navigation. Moreover, we are ready to participate in the preparatory and planning stages and to contribute to the reopening of safe passageway through the strait, based whatever specificity could be brought to bear. The links between humanity and sea are deep and close. I would like to conclude by underlining that the application of SDG number 14 to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources, as well as our seas, continues to be a priority and a major challenge. Mr. President, I thank you for your attention.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Zdoch for the statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Marie Četrdová, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Mr. President, as the outset, the Czech Republic would like to thank Bahrain for its leadership in bringing this crucial issue to the Council's attention and for its engagement in upholding international peace and security at a time when instability in one region can rapidly translate into serious global consequences. Today's discussion takes place against the backdrop of a difficult security and geopolitical situation marked by heightened tensions and growing risk in the maritime domain. Mr. President, the Czech Republic remains deeply concerned by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. We recall the continued threat posed by Iran to its neighbors. Developments in this strategically vital waterway have a direct and significant impact on global energy markets, food security, and economic stability worldwide. We welcome the Secretary General's decision to establish a UNOPS-led task force aimed at ensuring humanitarian flows through the Strait of Hormuz. We also welcome ongoing diplomatic efforts. and express our readiness to continue close cooperation with Bahrain and like-minded partners in support of regional stabilization and the protection of global maritime commons. We wish to acknowledge the constructive role Gulf countries play in supporting security in the region. Their efforts to improve coordination and ensure safe navigation contribute meaningfully to de-escalation in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. President, the Czech Republic reaffirms its commitment to freedom of navigation and to the respect for international law, including the Law of the Sea. Threats in the maritime domain including the denial of the right of transit passage, endanger the flow of humanitarian assistance. They also disrupt global trade and energy supplies and undermine economic stability well beyond the areas directly affected. In this context, we wish to underscore the growing risks posed by attacks on shipping and by the deliberate targeting of critical maritime infrastructure. Such actions threaten not only commercial activity and humanitarian lifelines, but also the marine environment and the safety of coastal communities. We are also concerned by the growing number of shadow fleet vessels operating outside and in violation of established international rules and standards. These practices undermine maritime safety, pose serious risks, and facilitate the circumvention of sanctions. Building on Bahrain's initiative, our shared ambition should be to ensure that the seas remain a space of cooperation, vital to global stability and economic resilience. In conclusion, the Czech Republic underscores its readiness to cooperate closely with partners in ensuring that these principles, essential to international peace and security, are upheld. I thank you for your attention.

I thank Her Excellency Ms. Četrdová for the statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Ana Tinca, State Secretary for Strategic and Global Affairs of Romania.

Mr. President, Romania thanks Bahrain for convening this open debate on maritime security, a topic we have consistently supported. The link between maritime security and international peace and security is undeniable, and upholding international law, with UNCLOS at its core, must remain a shared priority in all oceans and seas. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a serious deterioration of maritime security worldwide. Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz and earlier in the Black Sea, following Russia's aggression against Ukraine, illustrate this trend. Romania speaks today with the authority of direct experience. For five years, we have lived next to a war that continues to affect security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Civilian shipping is threatened by drifting mines, GPS jamming, and repeated violations of neighboring airspace. Over the last days, Three incidents occurred in Romania involving Russian drones, including one loaded with explosives that crashed into an ordinary household, produced material damages, and caused the evacuation of more than 500 inhabitants. Romania firmly condemns these actions by the Russian Federation, which represent a blatant violation of international law. These incidents show that maritime and airspace insecurity have real consequences for civilian populations. At the same time, we are fully aware that other regions face equally serious challenges, and Romania has acted responsibly and in solidarity. After the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, we enabled the safe transit of Ukrainian food exports. Together with Bulgaria and Türkiye, we are conducting demining operations, and under the EU strategy for the Black Sea, we are in the process of establishing a maritime security hub to strengthen monitoring and situational awareness in support of freedom of navigation. We support Ukraine's pursuit for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, and remain committed to the resilience of the Republic of Moldova. Mr. President, we express our solidarity with our GCC partners and Jordan. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz echo earlier challenges in the Black Sea. We commend the mediation efforts that led to a ceasefire agreement, and the reopening of the strait by Iran to unhindered maritime traffic must be a shared priority. UN Security Council Resolution 2817 should be fully implemented to restore predictability in global energy and food markets. Romania supports de-escalation and coordinated efforts to ensure freedom of navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. We stand ready to contribute constructively to efforts aimed at easing tensions and achieving sustainable peace. Mr. President, the Council should maintain sustained attention on maritime security. We appreciate the recent work of Bahrain, Greece, and Panama. The UN must continue to promote respect for international law, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight at all times, including during conflict. Unsafe and illicit shipping practices, such as the use of substandard vessels, including Russia's so-called shadow fleet, require coordinated international action. The UN can also foster dialogue on protecting critical maritime infrastructure, including undersea cables and offshore energy platforms. Last but not least, climate change, including rising sea levels, poses additional risks to maritime security. The UN is the natural platform to strengthen cooperation in addressing this challenge, drawing on recent legal developments such as the ICJ advisory opinion. I thank you for your attention.

I thank Her Excellency Ms. Tanka for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Oleksandr Moschenko, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Mr. President, let me thank the Bahrain presidency for organizing today’s important debate. We are also grateful to Secretary General Antonio Guterres and other briefers for their valuable insights. Maritime security is becoming increasingly urgent. Ukraine, as a maritime nation, attaches the highest priority to safety at sea and remains committed to ensuring secure navigation in its waters. However, Russia’s war of aggression has severely undermined maritime security in the Black Sea region and beyond. The Russian Federation continues to impose unlawful restrictions on navigation, carry out systematic attacks against port infrastructure and merchant vessels, disrupt maritime safety systems, and create persistent threats through the mining of sea areas. As a result, the safety of navigation in the Black Sea remains severely compromised. Only this month, Russia has carried out several deliberate attacks against civilian vessels flying the flags of Liberia and Panama. which were either en route to Ukrainian ports to load grain or were already undergoing cargo operations in berths, as well as against port infrastructure, thereby creating an enormous risk to the life and health of civilian crew and port workers. Furthermore, Russia’s aggression has resulted in the illegal use of seaports located in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, which have been lawfully closed and notified to the International Maritime Organization. Foreign-flagged vessels continue to unlawfully enter these ports to load and export goods, including Ukrainian agricultural products, in direct violation of international law. Such activities are enabled by the international deactivation or manipulation of the atomic automatic identification system constituting viable of international maritime safety obligation and facilitating the consignment of illegal cargo movement. We call for strict adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and for coordinated international efforts to ensure safe and secure maritime navigation. Ukraine remain committed to working constructively with all partners to strengthen maritime security, uphold the result-based orders of the sea. Ukraine welcomes efforts aimed to de-escalation and the establishment of ceasefire in the Middle East and the Gulf region. It is a necessary step towards ending hostilities.

It saves lives,

prevent destruction, and create the conditions for diplomacy on deliverable results. Ukraine has consistently called for a ceasefire in Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against our state and our people, and we equally support silence in the Middle East and the Gulf as a pathway for diplomatic engagement. At the same time, Ukraine expresses serious concern over continued threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks of merchant ships, intimidation of crew, and any attempts to disrupt navigation are unacceptable and constitute clear violation of international law, including the principle of freedom of navigation. The situation in the region has global implications. Any threats to stability in the Gulf directly affect international trade, energy security, and the cost of living worldwide. In this context, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial crucial importance. Ukraine remains committed to working constantly with all partners to strengthen maritime security and uphold the rule-based order of sea.

Thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Moschenko for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Nuno Pinheiro Torres, Deputy Minister for Defence Policy of Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies. Let me start by thanking Bahrain for convening such a pressing debate and the briefers for their insights. Portugal aligns itself with the statement by the EU and wishes to add the following remarks. As a maritime nation, Portugal's sovereignty and our economic and human security is closely tied to the security of our oceans. The sharp escalation in and around the Strait of Hormuz exposed the urgency of sustainable solutions to protect vital waterways. These disruptions are threats to trade and economic stability. which impact food and energy security, affecting disproportionately the most vulnerable, namely developing countries. We welcome the Secretary-General’s initiative to establish a task force, led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, to develop mechanisms designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz, by facilitating fertilizer trade, including the movement of related raw materials. Portugal greatly values the role of IMO, which plays a central role in preserving the safety of navigation on strategic shipping routes. Upholding maritime rules, navigation rights and freedoms, and ensuring the safety and welfare of seafarers are essential. Portugal will continue to engage diplomatically and to advocate for duly mandated responses to restore normality in the Strait of Hormuz. We urge all parties to choose diplomacy and dialogue and to uphold international law, including international humanitarian law and freedom of navigation. Mr. President, more generally, allow me to highlight three priority areas. First, international law must prevail at sea. The Convention on the Law of the Sea remains the legal foundation for all maritime activities, but implementation must follow. The convention and relevant Security Council resolutions must translate into cooperation, capacity building, and accountability on the ground. Second, regional cooperation and local ownership are crucial to maritime security. Effective maritime security begins ashore, with strong institutions, trained personnel, real-time coordination, and trusted information sharing among partners. The Atlantic Center, established by Portugal and 28 member states from three continents, plays a pivotal role expanding knowledge and implementing multilateral capacity-building projects. Its Atlantic Community of Interest fosters dialogue among states. international organizations, academia, and industry. Last March, we organized here in New York, with the Atlantic Center and the missions of Angola, Gabon, and Uruguay, an event on blue crime. Portugal contributes operationally, namely through EU operations legitimated by this Council's resolutions, from Operation Irini in the Mediterranean to Operation Atalanta off the Horn of Africa. Third, We must address emerging risks. It is essential to ensure also the security of critical maritime infrastructures, including submarine cables, the backbone of our global digital economy. New technologies, including satellite-based services, can enhance maritime awareness and response. Portugal is actively contributing to this effort with the satellite constellation of the Atlantic. Mr. President, We must, strategically, at UN, moving from crisis response to a preventive engagement. This Council must tackle maritime security in a cross-cutting, systematic manner, calling for thematic meetings that go beyond incident-based response, and including maritime security in peace operation mandates, particularly in areas where instability at sea and on land are mutually reinforcing. Ensuring that our seas remain open, safe, and governed by the rule of law, it is at the heart of our multilateral engagement and of our candidature for the 2027-2028 term of this Council. Thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Torres for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Matt Thewse, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.

Thank you, President. This debate comes at a critical time for global maritime security. Navigational rights and freedoms matter for all states and must be respected in accordance with international law. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s threats and indiscriminate attacks on countries in the region, including against commercial vessels, have caused unprecedented global shocks and placed innocent civilians, including seafarers, at serious risk. Global maritime security is directly linked to global economic stability. All states rely on open sea lanes and waterways for supply chain security. The disruption to maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz is causing unprecedented shocks to global energy, fertiliser, and petrochemical supplies. A prolonged disruption will have significant and far-reaching human and economic consequences. Around 80% of oil and oil products exports transitioning the Strait of Hormuz were Asia-bound, making the Indo-Pacific highly susceptible to energy supply disruptions. Like Australia, the Pacific imports virtually all of its fuel. Pacific Island countries are acutely vulnerable to oil price fluctuations as they rely on fuel imports for transport and electricity. Shortages threaten essential services and indeed food security. The uncertain trajectory of the conflict and its impacts on international shipping make the scale and duration of this economic shock difficult to predict, but the risks are severe and growing. President, Australia reiterates its call for all states to uphold navigational rights and freedoms, lawful use of and activities on the sea, and the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. We reaffirm our strong support for the work of the International Maritime Organization and commend its efforts to help safeguard stranded civilian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. Coordinated diplomatic engagement is essential. Australia will continue to support UN and international diplomatic efforts to ensure safe and unhindered maritime transit and to safeguard seafarers. President, we renew our calls on Iran to act in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Navigational rights and freedoms should never be weaponised. Australia continues to call for the unconditional, unrestricted, and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, we repeat our calls for the ceasefire to be maintained, for talks to resume, and for an end to the conflict. Thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Thiselwite for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Sok Sopanha, Senior Minister and Special Envoy for the Prime Minister of Cambodia.

Mr. President, Cambodia commends Bahrain for convening this timely open debate. And thanks to briefers for their valuable insight. We align ourself with the statement delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN. As a firm proponent of international law and United Nations Charter, Cambodia underscore that safe and secure waterways are essential to international peace and security, to global economic stability, and to sustainable development. Our ratification of UNCLOS and the BBNJ Agreement reaffirm our commitment to the rule-based maritime order and the responsible management of ocean resources. Mr. President, in light of growing threat to maritime security, Cambodia highlight three priority. First, dispute must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. The principle of freedom of navigation, lawful transit passage, and the safety of seafarers as enshrined in international law, including UNCLOS, must be fully respected. Second, Cambodia stressed the importance of enhanced technical assistance for developing coastal states. Capacity building in maritime law enforcement, port and vessel security, maritime domain awareness, and timely information sharing is essential to address emerging challenges effectively. Third, the Council should adopt a more integrated and preventive approach that strengthens long-term resilience. Such effort must be inclusive, timely, and consistent with international law and the UN Charter.

Mr. President, Cambodia remains committed to defending international law, to promoting peaceful dialogue, and strengthening maritime security, in particular in fighting cross-border crime, where we affirm our commitment to transparency and regional cooperation, and welcome foreign ships, friendly ships in our modernized naval base in VIM for joint exercise, humanitarian assistance, and cooperation in terms of fighting crime. I thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Sok for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Richard Arbiter, Political Director and Assistant Deputy Minister of Global Affairs of Canada.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. Allow me to thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this important debate and indeed for giving all Member States an opportunity to participate. The seas and oceans surrounding us connect our societies, our economies, and our ecosystems.

As developments in the Strait of Hormuz amply illustrate, threats in the maritime domain have specific local manifestation,

but their impacts are global.

Canada expresses its full solidarity with the countries of the region who have borne the brunt of Iran's attacks. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan are not bystanders,

but direct stakeholders who have sustained unprovoked and unacceptable attacks on their territory, on their civilian infrastructure, and their economic assets.

Over 4,000 drone and missile strikes since February 28th.

The disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has cascading impacts on many economies, particularly those of developing countries, and indeed on the global economy as a whole.

The questions posed earlier this morning by Bahrain are the right questions for us to be asking. I want to thank them and the other GCC members who have been actively bringing this issue to the attention of the UN system as a whole, both here in New York, as well as in London, in Rome, in Geneva, and elsewhere. We note with concern the findings presented to the FAO Council regarding the impact on global food supply chains, including fertilizer exports. Food security must not be instrumentalized, nor can we allow Iran to turn the Strait

of Hormuz into a selective access corridor or tollbooth system that would set a dangerous precedent for international navigation rights.

Participating in the April 17th Leaders’ Summit on the Strait of Hormuz convened by France and the United Kingdom, Prime Minister of Canada stressed the importance of international cooperation to protect navigation rights and promote

stability for commercial shipping through a defensive framework grounded in international law.

Canada is prepared to play its part in such an international approach when conditions permit.

We are actively engaged in diplomatic

efforts to build the broadest possible consensus to uphold respect for international navigation rights and for the safety of seafarers. Canada has also contributed 23.6 million barrels of oil to the IEA's collective release to stabilize global energy markets.

I will now switch to French. It is with concern that we take the conclusions which came out of the FAO Council. The traditional maritime threat extends to all seas, from Baltics to the Black Sea, and east to west, and everywhere, including the Pacific. We have been fighting these threats, and in 2025 made these major fights. stressed around four main areas. First, respect the freedom of navigation and fight against emerging threats, in particular by improving coordination so as to protect maritime infrastructure and submarine infrastructure, which are essential and vulnerable. They're a vital component of global economy. Second, to promote the resilience of supply chains. and the safety of maritime transport, in particular by creating a working group on this, so as to deter the activities of the shadow fleet, which could be dangerous for the environment. And thirdly, to ensure a lasting management of maritime resources, in particular by strengthening our fight against illicit, undeclared, and irregular fishing, which damages ecosystems, fragile ones. This work requires cooperation of vast interregional groups and international partners involved in this. We welcome the cooperation of the Security Council in this and all of the parties concerned in support of these efforts of ours. I thank you very much.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Arbatir for the statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Aoyono Kunimitsu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to express Japan's gratitude to Bahrain for taking the initiative to hold this timely meeting.

The sea and the oceans connect us and allow us to live and prosper.

As reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, safety of passage must be unharmed, and we cannot overemphasize the importance of the maritime legal order now more than ever. I take this opportunity to call for full respect for the rule of law. as a sea, as a common interest for all humanity that is essential for global peace, stability, and prosperity. Mr. President, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has served as a potent reminder to the international community that free, open, and stable maritime routes are vitally important for our lives and economic activities.

The Strait must remain open and safe for international navigation as an international public good and as a crucial foundation for a global trade network, sustaining

billions of the population.

Japan supported the Security Council Resolution 2870.

28 to 17, to underscore that safe and free

navigation of merchant and commercial vessels must be respected in accordance with international law. We also welcome the decision made by the IMO

Council on March 19th in respect of the establishment of the framework, such as a safe maritime corridor,

proposed by Japan. We call on the relevant parties to take necessary immediate actions in line with this decision to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships.

Furthermore, Japan welcomes the UN initiatives

under the leadership of the Secretary-General to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

including the appointment of the special envoy and the establishment of the task force in order to meet humanitarian needs. Mr. President, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz should not obscure what is happening in the Indo-Pacific. We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and coercion, including the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, which escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.

Japan has been a strong advocate of the concept of free and

open in the Pacific, FOIP, for the past 10 years, through which we have provided capacity building assistance for countries

in need with a view to promoting the rule of law at sea.

In this regard, we have been working closely with the UN system to provide capacity building to maritime nations.

For example, the Japan Coast Guard and the UN ODC have cooperated since 2018 to carry out training programs aimed at enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities. In closing, Japan is determined to closely work together with the UN and the member states to maintain and reinforce the free and open maritime order based on the rule of law to ensure safety of navigation and to foster a stable and prosperous global maritime environment for generations to come. I thank you.

I thank Her Excellency Ms. Kunimitsu for the statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Le Thi Thanh Hang, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

Thank you, Mr. President. Vietnam aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later on by the representative of the Philippines on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. As a maritime nation with nearly 90% of its trade volume carried by the sea, secure and uninterrupted maritime routes are Vietnam's economic lifeline. We expressed our deep concern over recent development in key maritime chokepoints, but particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. which are the stark reminder that disruption to strategic waterways can quickly spread far beyond the region concerned, threatening international peace and stability, disrupting global supply chains, and constraining the development prospects of many countries, particularly developing economies. We are particularly concerned about the humanitarian impact of the tension on seafarers. At present, more than 20 Vietnamese vessels with over 200 Vietnamese seafarers remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. We call on all parties concerned to ensure their safety and security and create favourable conditions for their safe and swift return, in accordance with relevant international law and applicable applicable international conventions. Vietnam reaffirmed that freedom of navigation and overflight, including safe, continuous, and unimpeded strategic passage through straits used for international navigation, must be upheld in accordance with international law as reflected in UNCLOS 1982. UNCLOS provides the comprehensive legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and seas must be carried out. All maritime claims, regulation, and enforcement activities must be consistent with and shall not exceed what is provided for under the Convention. We call on all States to interpret and apply UNCLOS consistently and in good faith, without selectivity. Rights and responsibilities must go hand in hand. in hand. We underscore that disputes and differences must be resolved by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, with full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. History has taught us an important lesson: no lasting peace can be achieved through the threat or use of force. We therefore urge all parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint, refrain from unilateral actions that may escalate tension, and engage in meaningful dialogue and diplomacy to build trust and pursue durable solutions. It is Vietnam’s view that concerted efforts by the international community are much needed to address maritime security challenges. In this regard, we reaffirm the central role of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security, including through promoting compliance with international law, supporting diplomacy, and encouraging escalating measures to reduce tension in critical waterways. We also recognize the contribution of regional arrangements, in line with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, in fostering dialogue, building trust, and advancing peaceful solutions. At the same time, technical and specialized agencies, particularly the International Maritime Organization, should continue to play a vital role in strengthening maritime safety and security through international standards and practical cooperation. Mr. President, the seas and ocean connect us all. The protection of vital waterways is a collective responsibility. Vietnam stands firm in upholding international law and stands ready to work with all members of the international community to safeguard maritime security for peace, stability, and prosperity for all. I thank you.

I thank Her Excellency Ms. Le for the statement. I wish to remind all all speakers to limit their statement to no more than 3 minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. The flashing light on the microphone will be prompt speaker to bring their remarks to close after 3 minutes. So I now give the floor to the representative of Austria.

Said Rees, Mr. President, Austria thanks the Kingdom of Bahrain for the organization of today's open debate, and we congratulate you to Jamal on the presidency of the Security Council. Mr. President, Austria has no direct access to the sea, as might be common knowledge. However, maritime security as a global concern affects all of us, regardless of geography. Every state, coastal or not, is a stakeholder in the security of the world's oceans. Three points: as a principled position, Austria firmly believes in the centrality of international law on land, in the sky or at sea. In particular, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, serves as a cornerstone of maritime governance. Its provisions reflect customary international law, which is binding on all states. Only an international order based on international law can guarantee stability and peace. As Chair of the Group of Friends on the Rule of Law, Austria will continue to advocate for the respect of international norms. Second, we are currently witnessing how disruptions at sea can reverberate across continents. threatening food and energy security, supply chains, and environmental sustainability. The unilateral blockade and restrictions to the freedom of navigation of one of the most important maritime routes, namely the Strait of Hormuz, is leading to very real consequences affecting all of us. It risks pushing the most vulnerable countries to the brink of famine. Any unilateral action restricting the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or, for a matter of fact, other international straits are therefore simply unacceptable. Austria therefore strongly calls for the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to be swiftly restored. We welcome the Secretary General's initiative on fertilizer exports as a pragmatic first step, but let us be clear: pragmatic workarounds are not a substitute for the rule of law. Third, a key threat to maritime security is transnational organized crime. Austria pays great importance to combating human trafficking and person smuggling networks. In addition, attacks on merchant vessels lead to interruptions of global trade, and piracy and armed robbery increase the constant danger ship crews have to live in. We advocate for comprehensive and preventive approaches based on strong partnerships. In this context, we also see the need to strengthen international cooperation with regard to the protection of maritime infrastructure. In this regard, we commend the valuable work of many UN agencies, particularly Vienna-based UNODC. Austria stands ready to shoulder its responsibility within these frameworks, as we do in active participation of EU-led missions Mediterranean on Libya's coast and Operation Aspides in the Red Sea. Mr. President, Austria's candidacy for the Security Council for the term 2027-2028 is grounded in our commitment to international law, effective multilateralism, and a holistic approach to peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Austria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco.

Mr. President, it gives me the pleasure to extend my thanks and appreciation to the sisterly country of Bahrain, which is the President of the Council for this month of April 2026. Thank Bahrain for this wise initiative by convening this high-level debate on the maritime security, which is a cognizant choice and a strategic choice reflecting the situation in the international maritime waterways and awareness of the challenges it faces, which requires concerted international will. I would also like to welcome His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and commend his vision and resolve, which inspired the presidency of the Council. Mr. President, it's known to all that the maritime security is a key pillar in international peace and security. More than 90% of global trade passes through seas and oceans, and any attack on the maritime freedom or international maritime pathways is an direct attack on the economies and livelihoods of peoples. Therefore, we have a collective moral and legal obligation, which is to maintain the safety of this vital artery that connects the continents of the world. Morocco is aware of its exceptional geographic location as a meeting point between Africa and Europe, and overlooking the Gibraltar Strait, one of the most strategic waterways in the world. Therefore, we are aware of the importance and of this issue and our responsibility. Therefore, the maritime freedom is not a diplomatic choice for us. It is an existential commitment dictated by geography, history, and our commitment to common prosperity. The current situation is of grave concern as using the straits and maritime waterways as a bargaining chip and sometimes threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, this artery for global trade, is a conduct that runs counter to international obligations and the spirit of responsibility according to the Charter. And no country whatsoever can take the world as hostage to its maritime waterways. Seas are a common, shared common for humanity at large and not a bargaining chip. Therefore, the threats that are faced by international navigation in the Arab Sea and the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea as a result of the acts by armed groups are unacceptable. The international community is faced with historic responsibility. that is not to allow geography to become a hostage of ideology, where waterways become weapons in the hands of some states which for decades have not relented in destabilizing and interfering the affairs of other countries and supporting proxy wars in the region, in total regard to their international obligations. Mr. President, Morocco, given its strategic location, cooperates with its international partners to fight trafficking and to ensure the safety of the coasts of Morocco and its partners. Morocco strongly believes that seas and oceans are not separators among peoples, but bridges to connect them, and they are a source of common prosperity. His Majesty the King launched two initiatives. One is the Atlantic Royal Initiative, which opens, which gives access to African countries to the Atlantic Ocean. This is in the spirit of solidarity and common development and turn geography from an impediment to an opportunity to serve peoples of the region. The second is the path for African countries, which combines more than 20 coastal African countries overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which makes the maritime security one of its key pillars. Therefore, the African Atlantic Ocean would turn to a domain of common security instead of being a source of threat for the benefit of Africa and the world at large.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Diego Martínez Bielo, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of Spain.

Thank you, President. Spain thanks the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this high-level debate on security and protection of maritime waterways, a global public good and an essential issue for the maintenance of international peace and security. I would be remiss if I did not reiterate Spain's condemnation of the unjustified attacks against Bahrain and other friendly states in the Gulf and the region, attacks that were carried out by Iran. International law is the essential pillar on which rests the peaceful coexistence among states and, by extension, maritime security. The norms governing maritime spaces, freedom of navigation, protecting the environment, and sustainable use of resources are a framework that provides stability and predictability at the international level. Respect for it strengthens mutual trust and reduces the risks of escalation in a strategic area for global trade and energy security. In the context of growing tensions and transnational challenges, defending the relevance of international law is not just a legal obligation, but rather a commitment to international peace and security. In the same way, Spain would like to reiterate its conviction that multilateralism is the most effective tool to overcome the challenges affecting our oceans and seas. Piracy, illegal trafficking, illegal fishing, or protecting critical infrastructures are threats that no state can face on its own. Multilateral forums allow for us to coordinate our efforts, share information, harmonize standards, and create trust amongst diverse actors. At a moment where international cooperation is more necessary than ever, Spain considers that strengthening these collective mechanisms is critical to ensure open seas that are safe and regulated by shared norms. Given the major challenges affecting our oceans and seas, respect for international law and international cooperation are the only instruments that can ensure and strengthen maritime security. There is no place for unilateral solutions. Spain underlines that international law is the pillar for action at sea. We also underline the centrality of the universal principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations, among them the principle of peaceful resolution of disputes and the prohibition on the use of force, which of course also apply in the maritime domain. Spain is a maritime country with a global calling, and our National Strategy for Maritime Safety 2024 places the maritime domain as a global space of strategic importance in a context characterized by a rupture in the international system, more geostrategic competition, and growing vulnerabilities when it comes to supply chains and underwater infrastructure. Spain is a country committed to maritime safety and its governance. Proof of this is our contribution to UNIFOR-Atlanta, whose mandate includes protecting vessels from the World Food Program and other vulnerable ships, as well as to dissuade and suppress piracy. This operation has excellent relations when it comes to security cooperation with a number of countries in the region and beyond it, and it is an example of the wonderful possibilities offered by working together based on a multilateral focus. It has an extraordinary capital of shared experiences and mutually beneficial cooperation that we should continue to develop together. This approach can also be applied in other regions. We contribute on a regular basis. with vessels in the Gulf of Guinea through the coordinated maritime presences of the EU that strengthen coordination and cooperation with coastal states and the Yaoundé architecture to address crime at sea. It is an initiative that is very interesting for coastal states that benefits all of our securities. In parallel, Spain supports sustainable solutions based on cooperating with all of our partners, as well as on anticipation, integration, and resiliency through training and capacity building for coastal states. This includes upgrading capacities when it comes to ports, the digital domain, and environmental protection. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 establishes the legal framework applicable to ocean activities and the protection of navigational rights and freedoms. This legal framework should be respected. This Council has reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms of merchant and commercial vessels based on international law should be respected and transit should continue unhindered, as recalled in resolution 27/22 and more recently 28/17. And we demand strict compliance with these resolutions. In this framework, we would like to reaffirm our commitment to open, safe, and resilient maritime waterways. The threats to critical maritime waterways have a direct and systemic impact on energy security and international supply chains, such as the supply chain for fertilizers. It also results in logistical disruptions and obstacles for humanitarian access. Moreover, repeated incidents heighten the risks of escalation and miscalculations with clear consequences for economic security and international peace. Our strategy identifies that hybrid approaches have an important place in our risk mapping. This includes economic coercion, pressure due to dependency, cyber attacks, and influence campaigns. And all of this also manifests at sea. This is why Spain champions responses that have an integrated focus. An important part of that focus is protecting critical infrastructures, and this includes critical submarine infrastructure. And based on the European Action Plan on Submarine Cable Security, Spain would like to underline its strategic relevance and its exposure to interruptions and sabotage in the context of hybrid and cyber threats. Mr. President, multilateralism and dialogue among states is not an option. It is an indispensable requirement so that the international community can address global challenges, among them strengthening maritime security. Spain advocates firmly for an effective multilateralism with the United Nations at its center, and this includes its agencies, such as the International Maritime Organization, and with an active contribution from regional organizations, such as the EU. We can add capacities and avoid duplication. In this context, we would like to thank the Secretary General for his initiative to develop a mechanism for the safe, rapid, and predictable maritime transit for humanitarian purposes through the Strait of Hormuz. And we would like to reiterate our demand to have the Strait reopened, ensuring free and safe passage based on international law. To conclude. In the framework of the international community's commitment to an effective multilateralism and respect for international law, the Security Council can provide added value by systematically reaffirming international law, condemning attacks against navigation, and catalyzing coordination between international and national frameworks with an integrated focus. I thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Martínez-Bello for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Qatar.

Thank you, Mr. President. We congratulate your sisterly nation on assuming the presidency this month. We also welcome His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and presiding over this morning's meeting. We also thank the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Secretary General of the IMO and the senior fellow of the International Institute for Strategic Studies for their briefings. Mr. President, our meeting today is held against very significant circumstances. The threats have increased, threatening waterways and threatening freedom of navigation, affecting international peace and security and the international economy, in particular in the Strait of Hormuz. In this regard, the State of Qatar affirms that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, as per the 1982 UN Convention on Law of the Sea, UNCLOS. Qatar also emphasizes Security Council Resolution 552 of 1984, which has underscored the importance of the Gulf region to international peace and security, and its vital role in stabilizing the global economy. The resolution also called upon states to respect international law, the freedom of navigation in international waters and maritime routes for vessels navigating to and from ports and installations of coastal states that are not party to hostilities, and called upon states to respect territorial integrity of states that are not party to hostilities. Accordingly, the State of Qatar stresses the importance of implementing resolution 28/17, which was submitted By the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the GCC states and Jordan, the resolution condemned the attacks launched by Iran on the territory of Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan. These attacks were a violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security. The resolution also affirmed its support for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of GCC states and Jordan, and condemned acts or threats by Iran aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz or disrupting navigation therein. The resolution further affirmed that any attempt to impede the passage or freedom of navigation is a serious threat to international peace and security. We reiterate once again the importance of ensuring the security of maritime corridors and the freedom of navigation and international trade in accordance with international law. We also welcome the ongoing mediation by Pakistan and all parties that undertook mediation and good offices, which have contributed to a cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran. The State of Qatar underscores the importance of full adherence to the ceasefire in order to guarantee a de-escalation and create conditions for a dialogue, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In conclusion, we reiterate our support for diplomatic efforts and endeavors towards peace, and we affirm that dialogue and adherence to international law and good neighborliness are the pillars for resolving crises and avoiding serious repercussions. This will strengthen international peace and security, including the safety and protection of waterways in accordance with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Thank you, Mr. President.

On behalf of Qatar for the statement, I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia.

Mr. President, Indonesia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN. As the world's largest archipelagic state, Indonesia places maritime safety and security at the core of its national policy priorities. Therefore, Indonesia does not consider the current disruption in the Strait of Hormuz as an isolated event. It is the latest in a decade of systemic shocks that have pushed our maritime corridors to the breaking point. From the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Sea crisis, to the Red Sea, our maritime corridors have proven to be far more fragile than we think. Left unchecked, this fragility may become an existential threat to humankind. For Indonesia, the path forward is clear: the law must prevail. We therefore urge the Security Council to uphold its responsibility to restore and reassert safe maritime routes in accordance with international law, including in particular the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Furthermore, Indonesia wishes to highlight three key points: first, international law, international law, and international law. The regime of transit passage under the 1982 UNCLOS must be preserved. Furthermore, as a major contributor of seafarers, Indonesia emphasizes that the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the IMO standards must be fully upheld. International humanitarian law must also apply. We underscore the importance of its interplay with the law of naval warfare and the law of the sea. Indonesia, with Egypt and the ICRC, is spearheading the global initiative on international humanitarian law through the naval warfare workstream to ensure these frameworks are consistently applied. Second, in the shadow of the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Diplomacy is the only viable path. Indonesia calls on all parties to exercise restraint, cease hostilities, and pursue a credible political pathway towards a durable peace. Third, international cooperation and confidence-building measures. We welcome the Secretary-General's Task Force for the Strait of Hormuz to ensure unhindered passage for humanitarian assistance and trade, as well as strategic commodities such as fertilizers. In our region, Southeast Asia, the three littoral states, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, advance the Malacca Strait Patrol and the cooperative mechanism to safeguard one of the world's most strategic maritime corridors. It is worth bearing in mind that international cooperation always serves as a vital confidence-building measures. We therefore urge all littoral states and key partners to advance such confidence-building measures to ensure sustained stability of maritime routes. Indonesia stands ready to work with all partners. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Indonesia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia.

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Mr. President, Your Excellencies, at the outset, I would like to warmly welcome His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif Az-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain. I would like to also congratulate Bahrain for assuming the presidency of the Council for this month and commend your distinguished efforts in managing the works of the Council, including the dedication of this debate to discuss the safety and security of waterways and means to enhance the protection of maritime navigation. at a time when the world is dealing with the repercussions of an unprecedented economic, social, political, and environmental crisis. I would also like to thank His Excellency the Secretary-General and the Secretary-General of IMO and Mr. Nick Childs for their briefings. This session comes at a very critical and delicate point. The accelerating developments in our region, the Arab Gulf region, witnesses an unprecedented conflict around the Strait of Hormuz that is a vital lifeline not only for the countries of the region, but for the security of the global economy as a whole. Any threat to the freedom of navigation in this waterway, the strategic waterway, would have direct impact on the stability of energy markets and global supply chains. I would also like to point to the unwavering position that scores of Member States have reiterated outside this room, which stressed that the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a collective priority, a joint responsibility that requires adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS. to guarantee the freedom of transit and navigation and that the Strait of Hormuz is not subject to any threat or obstruction. At a time when challenges are exacerbated, we regret the fact that the Security Council was unable to adopt a specific resolution regarding the protection of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, despite the serious nature of the current threats. This requires an urgent need to strengthen the unity of the Council and for the Council to shoulder its responsibility in safeguarding international peace and security, including taking effective and deterrent measures. We condemn any acts or threats by Iran that seek to obstruct international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and we stress that any undermining of the freedom of navigation is a serious threat to international peace and security, and for the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for navigation in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 without any restrictions. The Kingdom supports all international and regional efforts seeking to de-escalate the situation and stop the war. We commend the mediation efforts by brotherly and friendly countries alongside the initiatives led by the UN to reach a peaceful settlement of this conflict, of this crisis, and spare the region and the world further tension and instability. We support the mediation efforts by Pakistan to reach a permanent agreement that would achieve peace and stability and addresses all those issues that led to destabilizing the situation over decades. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable way to achieve sustainable peace and stability. In this regard, we reiterate the need for for Iran to commit to its international obligations and to abide by Security Council Resolution 2817 that condemned the attacks that threatened the stability and security of the region and called for the protection of freedom of navigation, international navigation, and the security of international maritime waterways. We also demand the international community, particularly the Security Council, to clearly condemn the Iranian attacks against my country, through ballistic and cruise missiles since the beginning of the crisis in the region, even until the announcement of the cease of fire, and to stress the need to respect the sovereignty of countries, refrain from using force or the threat of use of force, to respect the principle of good neighborhood relations, as well as take all necessary measures to preserve the security of waterways, particularly in terms of food and energy supplies.

The representative of

Said al-Raisi.

Mr. President, we thank the delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain for organizing this debate on a matter that is closely related to the parameters of peace and security regionally and internationally. Recent developments have highlighted the close link between maritime security and geopolitical tensions. It stressed the importance of addressing security and navigational freedom and rights from a collective and comprehensive perspective to address the root causes of current tensions, and in a manner that promotes the principles and purposes of the Charter consistent with international law. The UNCLOS has provisions that define the navigational freedom and right in international waterways. It strikes the balance between the obligations on littoral states, including not to disrupt the passage through waterways, and the rights to littoral countries consistent with having laws and regulations that regulate the passage according to Article 42 of the UNCLOS. In this connection, Egypt regulates and manages one of the key arteries for trade in the world, which is the Suez Canal, to serve the world at large and to maintain the role of this strategic passageway as a safety valve for the stability of international economy. Egypt plays this role based on a number of principles, which in their totality represent the governing framework of Egypt's vision to the matter of navigational freedom and right. First, navigational freedom in international waterways is sanctity. It is an intrinsic principle that should be upheld in accordance with international law, most of which the UNCLOS and the applicable international standards and norms. Second, any measures or threats to disrupt international trade or to endanger merchant and commercial ships are prohibited, given their threat to international peace and security. Third, the responsibility for arrangements related to international waterways falls on the countries literal to these waterways, and non-literal states shall have no say in relation to the arrangements on managing these waterways. Fourth, The peaceful nature of maritime waterways should be maintained. Any act to weaponize these waterways or use them in a way that negatively impact the stability in the region should be banned, given that such acts can lead to heightened tensions and erode trust among states, which runs counter to the main objective of the UNCLOS, which is the use of oceans and seas for peaceful purposes. Mr. President, Egypt reiterates that it is no longer possible to separate the maritime security and freedom from the surrounding regional situation. Therefore, This file should be addressed in a more balanced manner to take into consideration economic and security dimensions. Therefore, in October 2025, Egypt launched the Stream Initiative to develop the Suez and Red Sea region. It is a comprehensive initiative for the governance of Red Sea based on four themes to enhance international partnerships, including with private sector through blue economy, developing maritime infrastructure, and develop the economic governance of the sea. In conclusion, Egypt rates its role as a credible partner in promoting maritime security and consolidate the navigational freedom and right in maritime domain. as Egypt believes that the stability in security situations provides conducive conditions for navigational freedom in waterways and which will ensure the sanity of main arteries for global trade. Thank you, Mr. President.

The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, Mr. President. Since 28 February, the United States and the Israeli regime have waged an unwarranted large-scale war of aggression against Iran in flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2, disrupting maritime security and freedom of navigation and threatening regional and international peace and security. The Strait of Hormuz has been increasingly utilized to support military attacks in the region, including the transfer of military equipment intended for hostile action against Iran. This militarization has exposed international shipping to heightened and unprecedented risk of Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. In the meantime, the United States has continued its internationally wrongful act by imposing maritime blockade. on lawfully seizing Iranian commercial vessels and detaining their crews. These dangerous, escalating measures violate international law, breach the UN Charter, constitute the crime of piracy, and amount of act of aggression as defined in Article 3 of the General Assembly Resolution 33/14. Mr. President. As the principal coastal state to which the Strait of Hormuz lies within its territorial seas, Iran has taken necessary and practical measures consistent with international law to address emerging threats for safe and secure navigation, maintain the continuous passage of vessels, and prevent misuse of this vital waterway for hostile or military purposes. These measures are grounded in Iran’s right and obligation under the Law of the Seas and its national laws and regulations, with a view to striking an appropriate balance between the security interests of the coastal states and the continued safe conduct of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in a highly volatile environment. These practical measures will be carefully examined in light of the evolving circumstances. Iran is not a party to the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea. Accordingly, it is not bound by its treaty-based provisions, except to extend the specific rules reflected therein and universally recognized as customary international law. Lasting stability and security in the Persian Gulf and the wider region can only be achieved through a durable and permanent cessation of aggression against Iran, supplemented by credible guarantees of non-recurrence and full respect for the legitimate sovereign rights and interests of Iran. In conclusion, I categorically reject the allegations made against my country at today’s meeting. Claims made by some delegations lack any legal basis; they serve only to divert attention from realities on the ground and the commission of an internationally wrongful act by the United States and its allies. Those delegations have once again exposed their double standards, demonstrating that their concerns for maritime safety and navigation is neither genuine nor consistent with their actions and positions. They assert their navigational rights must not be threatened, but deliberately ignore the United States’ unlawful action, including the imposition of a maritime blockade and its recent terrorist attack on Iran’s commercial vessels, conduct that bears the hallmarks of piracy and hostage-taking, and act like a pirate and terrorist group. Certain delegation have also misused this Council by deviating from the agenda, aligning themselves with the aggressors, and raising irrelevant and unrelated issues in the two days' discussions, Mr. President. Responsibility for any disruption, obstruction, or other interference with the maritime transport in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz lies directly with the aggressors, the United States and its supporters, whose unlawful and destabilizing actions have heightened tensions and endangered maritime safety and freedom of navigation. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Thailand.

Mr. President, Thailand wishes to express our appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this timely and critical debate. My delegation aligns itself with the Arsen statement to be delivered by the Philippines. Mr. President, disruptions in critical chokepoints directly endanger seafarers, including the 23 members of the Thai-flagged vessel, Mayura Nari, while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. They also pose serious risks to global security, energy markets, and the world economy. These challenges are heightened by recent developments in key waterways. demand a firm and unified response. A rule-based maritime order must be upheld, grounded in international law, including UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as the foundational legal framework governing our activities at sea. Freedom of navigation, navigational rights, including the right of safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage must be fully respected by all States. At the same time, practical cooperation through information sharing, joint exercises, and capacity building is indeed indispensable in addressing transboundary maritime threats in a timely manner. The Security Council must act with resolve. It must reinforce compliance with international law and call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint. Dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over the use of force. Thailand supports intensified mediation efforts aimed at achieving sustained ceasefires and promoting good-faith negotiations to prevent escalation and disruption in critical waterways. In this regard, President, we welcome the role of the Secretary-General.

Personal envoy in facilitating dialogue and advancing political engagement among relevant parties regarding the situation in the Middle.

East, as well as the.

Establishment of a task force by the Secretary-General to develop a proposed humanitarian technical mechanism for the safe passage. President, maritime security is a central pillar in Thailand's comprehensive security strategy. The protection of vital waterways is not optional. It is a collective responsibility. We must ensure our oceans remain open, secure, and governed by the rule of law. Thailand remains committed to advancing this objective through multilateral frameworks, including the International.

Maritime Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as through ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Thailand for the statement. I now give the floor to Mr. Marcel de Vink, Director-General for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Benelux countries, Belgium, Luxembourg, and my own country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this open debate on maritime security. Earlier this month, in The Hague, the International Court of Justice commemorated its 80th anniversary. And marking the moment was not only an opportunity to express support to the Court. It was also a strong reminder of the importance of the rules that underpin our shared international order, especially in these challenging times. Let me highlight Three elements that are, in our view, essential when it comes to maritime security. First, freedom of navigation and the right of passage cannot be compromised. These principles apply universally to all maritime routes, from the North Sea to the Indo-Pacific. They are indispensable for global trade and energy security. Recent disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and earlier attacks on the international shipping by the Houthis in the Red Sea, demonstrate that it is both urgent and imperative that actions that could endanger safe passage or escalate instability must be avoided at all cost. We need de-escalation, an end to hostilities, and respect for international law. Second, UNCLOS. as the overarching legal framework for the regulation of all activities at sea, guides responsible conduct at sea.

And we call on all States to act.

In accordance with these rules and to resolve differences through dialogue and legal mechanisms, ensuring stability across all regions. Commitments to the implementation of the provisions of UNCLOS in national legislation is important in order to strengthen maritime stability and security. Third is the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. Subsea cables and energy pipelines are essential to the global economy and highly vulnerable to disruption. Implementing UNCLOS and strengthening cooperation across regions is crucial to mitigate risks and enhance resilience in this regard. We also stress the importance of upholding sanctions regimes. Vessels violating sanctions regimes, including UNSCR-mandated sanctions against DPRK as well as EU sanctions against Russia, often practice irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as outlined by the International Maritime Organization. This poses risks to environmental and maritime safety and security. Efforts to evade sanctions undermine collective commitments and should be addressed with vigilance and cooperation, and we remain firmly committed to the International Maritime Organization. All seas must remain open, secure, and governed by law. should remain our compass. We reaffirm our commitment to a rules-based international order, ensuring that maritime domains remains a source of connection and prosperity. We stand ready to contribute to defensive operations as part of a broad coalition and according to our respective capabilities once a sustainable ceasefire is in place and within a clear international framework.

I thank you.

I thank Mr. Devenk for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Timor-Leste.

Mr. President, Timor-Leste warmly congratulates the Kingdom of Bahrain on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for April. We recommend its leadership in convening this timely debate and thank the Secretary-General and all briefers for their valuable insights. We align our statement to be delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN. As a small island developing state, Timor-Leste views maritime security as a matter of national survival. Our exclusive economic zone, vast in comparison to our land territory, sustains our food systems, supports our economy, and anchors our future. The ocean is not merely our geography; it is our lifeline. For countries like ours, disruptions to maritime supply chains are not distant shocks. They are immediate and deeply human. When shipping routes are destabilized or access to maritime passage is restricted, the consequences are felt first and most severely by the most vulnerable. A rise in the cost of essential goods is not a statistic. It is a family forced to choose between food, fuel, and education. These pressures, these pressures reverberate across societies, eroding resilience and deepening inequality. This reality underscores a fundamental point: maritime security is inseparable from human security. When sea lanes are disrupted, whether by conflict, coercive measures, or unlawful interference, the effects extend far beyond individual incidents. undermining economic stability and social cohesion on a global scale. Mr. President, recent developments in key maritime corridors, such as in the Strait of Hormuz, have demonstrated how fragile the stability of global supply chains can be. Actions that impede lawful navigation include blockages, coercive restrictions, and attacks on commercial vessels, not only threaten international peace and security, but also risk normalizing practices that erode the integrity of international law. In this regard, Timor-Leste reaffirms the centrality of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework governing all maritime activities. Freedom of navigation and transit passage must be upheld fully and without discrimination. These are not negotiable principles; they are foundational to a stable and predictable international order. Failure to uphold these norms risks setting dangerous precedents. If left unaddressed, such actions may contribute to the fragmentation of the global maritime domain, with disproportionate consequences for small and developing states that depend on open and secure sea lanes. Mr. President, addressing these challenges requires a coherent and action-oriented response from this Council. First, This Council should strengthen its support for capacity-building initiatives that enable developing states to enhance maritime domain awareness, surveillance, and enforcement. Without such capacity, many states remain unable to effectively safeguard their own waters. Second, the Council should reinforce the protection of critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. By promoting adherence to international law and condemning actions that unlawfully disrupt navigation, including blockages and other forms of coercion. Third, greater attention must be given to non-traditional maritime threats as well. Fourth, multilateral cooperation must be deepened. Maritime security is, by nature, a shared responsibility. No state, particularly small and developing ones, can address these challenges alone. Mr. President, for Timor-Leste, the ocean represents both vulnerability and opportunity, but above all, it represents our future. It must remain a space of cooperation governed by law and open to all. If the freedom of our seas is compromised, so too is the promise of equitable development and lasting peace. In closing, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a rules-based international order grounded in full respect for international law. We call on this Council to act with unity and resolve to ensure that our oceans remain open, secure, and sustainably managed for generations to come. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Timor-Leste for the word of the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of India.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I take this opportunity to congratulate Bahrain on assuming the UNSC presidency this month and thank them for convening today’s open debate. We also thank the Secretary-General and briefers for their remarks. A discussion on this crucial topic is indeed timely and appropriate. It is contextual to highlight that the first ever open debate on the theme, enhancing maritime security, a case for international cooperation under the item maintenance of international peace and security was convened by India during its UNSC presidency in August 2021 that paved the way to address maritime security in a holistic manner. Mr. President, India is committed to promoting a free, open, and rules-based maritime order in accordance with the principles of UNCLOS. In this regard, India supports adherence to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea, as the foundation for maintaining freedom of navigation, while emphasizing unimpeded, lawful commerce. Since the major share of global energy supplies and international trade is carried out through international waterways, any threat to critical waterways in the maritime domain has serious implications for international peace and security and global trade. As a major trading nation, India strongly deplores the recent targeting of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the endangerment of innocent civilian crew members. Such actions have resulted in the tragic loss of precious lives of Indian seafarers and are unacceptable. India reiterates that freedom of navigation and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz must be fully respected in accordance with international law, and urges that safe and unimpeded maritime passage be restored at the earliest. Mr. President, the main concerns to be immediately addressed are safety of navigation, continuance of supply chains, with specific emphasis on humanitarian supply chains, enhancement of maritime situational awareness, and facilitating communication for the seafarers, whether directly or indirectly. As a responsible maritime power, India has the honour of submitting certain recommendations to alleviate the situation and contribute to the safety of waterways and seafarers. First, India’s Directorate General of Shipping has set up a 24x7 helpline for seafarers irrespective of nationality. As on date, we have received close to 7,500 calls and more than 15,000 emails. Second, as brought out in the updated IMO Best Management Practices, we suggest consideration of the Member States to increase reporting to the Information Fusion Centre, Indian Ocean Region, what is called as the IFC-IOR, located in India, which could assist in enabling safe navigation, indirect communication of seafarers' situation, and explore avenues for maintaining humanitarian supply chains. It may be relevant to note that there are several International Liaison Officers in the IFCIOR, and among them, they represent 36 countries, including the first multilateral IMO-Djibouti Code of Conduct, ILO, representing 22 States. Therefore, coordination with this Centre could accrue significant benefits. Third, we further note with concern the grave risk of maritime pollution arising from attacks on commercial vessels in these waters. In this context, the role of IFC-IOR assumes greater importance and should be further promoted by its inclusion in the IMO MSC Resolution 324/89 for effective maritime domain awareness, environmental monitoring, and coordination with other significant information sharing centers. Mr. President, as a leading seafaring nation committed to global maritime safety and security, India would be honored to receive the consideration of the Member States on our recommendation that may contribute to UN and IMO’s specific mandates in these trying circumstances and beyond. In conclusion, India sees maritime security and the protection of waterways as essential to global security and economic prosperity. Being among the top three seafarer supplying nations, contributing approximately 13% of the global seafaring workforce, India remains deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of its seafarers. Any disruption, obstruction, or purported closure of vital waterways has direct consequences for global economy, energy, and humanitarian supply chains. The safety and welfare of seafarers, the security of international shipping, energy supply chains that sustain nations, and humanitarian supply chains that ensure survival and welfare of seafarers must remain paramount. India aims to maintain secure waterways for the long-term global peace and inclusive growth. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of India for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bulgaria.

Thank you, Chair. Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union and wishes to make the following points in national capacity. Bulgaria highly values Bahrain's initiative to hold this timely UN Security Council open debate and supports its effort to build on Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by 136 member states, including Bulgaria. Today's debate is an opportunity to reaffirm solidarity with regional partners, facing direct consequences from the military escalation in the Middle East. We are deeply concerned by recent development in the Middle East. We welcome the continuing ceasefires between the US and Iran and between Israel and Lebanon as necessary steps toward permanent.

Agreements.

We commend all facilitation efforts and urge full respect for the ceasefires across the region. Bulgaria condemns growing threats to maritime security, including violations of international law, obstruction of commercial shipping, attacks on civilian vessels, and using maritime spaces for geopolitical pressure. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is becoming a global security and economic crisis. with maritime traffic nearly paralyzed, leading to declining trade, food insecurity, rising inflation with surging coal prices and slower global growth, affecting people worldwide, especially the most vulnerable. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has clearly demonstrated that disruptions to maritime navigation is one waterway have far-reaching implications for supply chains, the normal functioning of the global economy and the integrity of the energy and digital connectivity, maritime structure. A potential blockade by the Houthis of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait would further harm the global economy and energy security, and must be prevented. Especially stepping up to counter shadow fleet sanctions evasion and prevent related security and environmental risks remain a key priority. Attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping, along with possible miscalculations, pose serious risk to the environment and civilians. All diplomatic channels should be used in a coordinated manner to fully reopen the Strait. with no tolls or shipping restrictions. Bulgaria supports all initiatives to normalize maritime traffic to the state of Hormuz and commends the UK and France for their efforts to mobilize international partners towards diplomatic and effective solutions for the safe passage through the Strait. Bulgaria believes Respect for international law is a non-negotiable prerequisite for lasting peace and calls for strict compliance with the UNCLOS as the legal framework for the ocean activities. We demand an immediate end to illegal restrictions and full restoration of freedom of navigation, as enshrined in Article 87 of UNCLOS. We also recall that the right of transit passage through international transit straits is crucial for maritime security and connectivity, and should not unilaterally be suspended or impeded. As a strong advocate for international law for maritime security, Bulgaria also values related political commitment. As a Black Sea coastal state, we prioritise the swift and effective implementation of the EU’s Strategic Approach to the Black Sea. Our active role will be key to strengthening maritime and environmental security and ensuring freedom of navigation in a waterway vital for Europe-Asia connectivity. In closing, I would like to underscore the importance of safeguarding the freedom and safety of navigation, and to stress the need for coherent, multilateral and regional approaches to address the wide-ranging peace and security threats in the maritime domain.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Bulgaria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN welcomes the convening of this open debate. Threats to maritime security, including threats to maritime navigation on critical waterways, attacks on vessels, interference with lawful activities, and risks to seafarers. have far-reaching implications for international peace and security, and for the stability of global trade, energy flows, and supply chains. Recent developments in key maritime chokepoints underscore the need to safeguard navigational rights and freedoms. ASEAN calls for the maintenance of safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage through straits used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. We urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint and pursue peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. We call on all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers, noting that ASEAN member states provide a significant portion of the global maritime workforce. The safety of seafarers cannot be sidelined. It is essential that all parties safeguard crews and ships by fully implementing IMO standards and the SOLAS Convention. ASEAN reaffirms the UN Charter and relevant UNSC resolutions remain as the foundation for maintaining international peace and security. In this regard, the Security Council plays an important role in reinforcing the need to uphold international law and safeguarding navigational rights and freedoms. The Council needs to promote compliance with international legal frameworks, support preventive diplomacy, and encourage confidence-building measures that reduce tensions in critical waterways. Engagement with regional organizations, in line with Chapter VIII of the Charter, should be strengthened. ASEAN underscores that the Council's approach should remain principled, balanced, and focused on de-escalation, recognizing maritime security as a shared common interest. Sustainable solutions must be anchored in the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty and sovereign rights, and adherence to international law, including UNCLOS. Continued efforts remain essential to maintaining stability in key maritime domains. Ultimately, the protection of vital waterways is a collective responsibility. As consistently emphasized in ASEAN statements, including recent calls for de-escalation, diplomacy remains the most viable pathway for stability across regions. Sustained cooperation and a shared commitment to international law, including the UN Charter, will be essential to ensuring that maritime domains remain peaceful, stable, and secure. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Philippines for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil.

Thank you, Mr. President. Brazil congratulates Bahrain for chairing the Council this month and for convening this timely debate. We also thank the briefers for their valuable insights. Mr. President, this is the third open debate on maritime security held by the Security Council in less than one year. It is a clear indication of the critical importance of safeguarding the maritime domain and its vital role in global economic activity, exemplifying the deep interconnection between geo-economic issues and the maintenance of international peace and security. Ensuring a safe and open maritime space based on international law, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at its center, is a core national interest for Brazil. All countries should observe the principles enshrined in this Convention, which constitute customary law as well. In previous occasions, Brazil has expressed concern about the many issues affecting maritime security, including piracy, transnational crime, arms and narcotics trafficking, extrajudicial killings, and other illegal activities. We also emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to address these challenges and promote a safe and peaceful maritime environment accessible to all nations. More than ever, these considerations remain valid. Our aim continues to be to ensure a peaceful maritime environment. The impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on the maritime domain are deeply troubling. The escalation in the Gulf following the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran has led not only to a dangerous regional crisis, which has already claimed the lives of thousands of civilians, but also to a global shock with the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz at its center. The negative impacts can already be felt across the globe. All peoples, who neither chose nor supported this war, are paying the price. We are particularly alarmed by the repercussions of this disruption on energy and food markets. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has warned about the impacts of this conflict on energy and fertilizer trade and on food security. To have a conflict compromising this vital trade route and threatening the integrity of commercial vessels is unacceptable. Mr. President, freedom of navigation is a core principle of international law that all countries must respect. We echo the Secretary General's call for a permanent cessation of hostilities in the Middle East and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. We also take this opportunity to express our support for the UN Task Force, which is developing a mechanism to address humanitarian needs in face of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Brazil reiterates its commitment with maritime security governed by law and cooperation. In this context, we believe that the principles and values of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, ZOPACAS, which establishes the South Atlantic as a zone of peace, free from weapons of mass destruction and preserved from foreign geopolitical disputes, send a relevant message and example to today's world. These principles were reiterated in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, issued at the beginning of the month, marking OPEC’s 40th anniversary and the start of Brazil’s presidency of the group. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Brazil for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Nigeria.

Mr. President, Nigeria congratulates your delegation on assuming the presidency of the Council and thank you for convening this vital open debate. We meet today against a backdrop of widening global maritime crisis, where international waterways are increasingly under siege, from the strategic checkpoints of the Middle East to the vital corridors of the Gulf of Guinea. The recent disruptions and blockades in critical strides have sent shock waves through the global economy, driving oil prices in record high and causing a spike in the cost of essential fertilizers and food commodities. For developing countries like Nigeria, these are not just economic numbers. They represent a direct depletion of national reserves and a threat to the livelihoods of millions. It is troubling that the maritime domain is now a theater for hybrid warfare. The transition from traditional piracy to sophisticated cyber attacks on port logistics and maritime digital infrastructure has introduced a layer of vulnerability that can paralyze regions in hours. In our own region, while Nigeria, in collaboration with partners and countries, has successfully reduced piracy incidents through the deep blue sea, The persistence of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing continues to rob the African continent of over 10 billion US dollars annually, undermining our blue economy and fueling local instability. Our experience has shown that national efforts are most effective when nested with robust international frameworks. Nigeria remains a staunch advocate for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, as the legal constitution of our oceans. We also highly value our collaborative partnership with UNODC and international maritime organizations whose technical assistance has been instrumental in enhancing our maritime domain awareness. Mr. President, To strengthen the protection of international waterways, Nigeria wishes to highlight three areas for enhanced cooperation. First, zero tolerance to unlawful blockades. The Council must reinforce the principle of freedom of navigation. Any deliberate disruption of international shipping lanes for political leverage must be met with a united and swift international response to protect global food and energy security. Second, sustaining regional architecture. We call for deeper coordination between the UN and regional mechanisms like the Yaoundé Architecture. The success of the Yaoundé Architecture proves that regional ownership works. However, to mitigate evolving threats of 2026, it is essential that the international community provides predictable and sustainable support, institutionalized financing for regional maritime security centers to help coastal states mitigate threats before they escalate into global crises. Third, resilience against hybrid threats. The Council must lead in developing norms to protect submarines, cables, and maritime digital infrastructure from cyber interference. We advocate for shared protocols to ensure that the digitalization of shipping does not become a backdoor for malicious actors. In conclusion, Mr. President. Nigeria believes that a secure maritime domain is a shared responsibility. We must move toward a more integrated UN response that links maritime security with sustainable development. Nigeria remains ready to collaborate with this Council and all partners to ensure our waterways remain conduits for peace rather than theaters of conflict. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Nigeria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Italy.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies. Italy aligns itself to the statement to be delivered by the European Union and would like to add some further remarks in its national capacity. Let me start by quoting the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressing that, and I quote, Without maritime security, there can be no global security." End of quote. It is essential for the Security Council to maintain a focus on the increasing threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation. In this spirit, we commend the Presidency for convening today's timely debate. Maritime threats, such as piracy, terrorism, and various illicit activities, including migrant smuggling and the trafficking of arms and drugs, have wide-ranging implications for security, the economy, and the environment. Furthermore, today we are witnessing practices that weaken the very principle of freedom of navigation, putting it under enormous stress. To stop and reverse this worrying spiral, we need to act collectively in some key aspects. First, we must abide by international law. We take this opportunity to recall that UNCLOS is the legal framework within which all activities at sea must be carried out. States have the primary responsibility to comply and to ensure compliance with the obligations contained therein, including those related to maritime security. Second, we must reaffirm the importance of the Security Council role in addressing maritime security in an integrated manner and across different regions. Building on the legal foundation provided by the UNCLOS and other key conventions, such as the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, the Security Council can offer guidance to resolve any disputes or disagreements with regard to maritime security in accordance with the Charter of the UN. Third, every Member State must do its part to translate the Security Council's recommendation into concrete actions. Italy has been supporting international efforts against transnational organized crime at sea and shared best practices for preventing and combating terrorism and to safeguard the security and well-being of seafarers while working closely with regional and sub-regional organizations. Within G7+ plus Friends of the Gulf of Guinea Group, we support the development of the regulatory and capacity-building framework of the countries and the regional institutions that are part of the Yaoundé architecture and contribute to the maritime security in the region through the periodic presence of units of the Italian Navy. In the Red Sea region, Italy is actively engaged in Operation Aspides, working to protect vital shipping lanes in accordance with UNCLOS and the UN Security Council Resolution 2722. In the same vein, we welcome a multilateral approach to ensure maritime security and freedom, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, where unilateral actions such as the unlawful application of a toll system threaten safe and free navigation, as well as the right of transit passage. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have direct implications for the security of maritime routes, global energy supplies, and food security. Italy supports all negotiated solutions aimed at ensuring stability in the region and stands ready to contribute to efforts to safeguard the freedom of navigation and to preserve the stability of global markets. We believe that any international mission should be strictly defensive. in nature, coordinated with regional and international partners, and deployed only once hostilities have ceased. Italy reiterates its solidarity towards the Gulf countries affected by unacceptable retaliatory strikes. Italy will remain steadfast in its commitment to upholding freedom of navigation globally and reinforcing the law of the sea. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Italy for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, maritime security is a crucial question. Any threat in this domain has global repercussions, especially for developing countries, and in particular for those like Cuba, our small island developing states. Our country has experienced the negative impact of the United States actions that restrict maritime transport. The executive order of President Donald Trump from the 29th of January of this year blocks fuel supplies to Cuba with the purpose of hardening the collective punishment meted out to Cubans to provoke discontent among the population and the stated objective of toppling the government. The energy blockade seeks to intimidate, pressure, and extort those who engage in sovereign trade with Cuba because it contemplates the threat of sanctions against third countries and foreign companies. We reiterate our condemnation of the acts of piracy and terrorism carried out against oil vessels and their crews. Committed by forces of the United States in the Caribbean Sea that are violation of international law, maritime law, and the freedom of navigation and trade, and they threaten maritime security. The recent actions of the United States government with an extra or extraterritorial character that is clear. add to their extreme measures of economic warfare against Cuba since 2019, designed to block any kind of fuel supply to our country through sanctions and intimidation against producers and providers, as well as transportation and insurance companies. Cuba have every right to trade in fuel with any other country, without threats, obstacles, conditions, or questions about the sovereign prerogative of every state to export fuel and establish trade relations with Cuba, based on the norms that guide free trade, without the interference of an external power. The economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba affects the freedom of trade and navigation, not just of our country, but also other states. It undermines our sovereignty and hampers economic progress and the aspirations that we have for sustainable development, which is a flagrant violation of international law. The Torricelli Act, that is part of the laws and regulations that sustains the blockade, includes sanctions against boats that enter Cuban ports. They are banned from docking in American ports in the following 180 days. These restrictions impede gaining offers of operation from vessels and create higher tariffs for Cuban port operators. Mr. President. The grave escalation in the Middle East caused by the military aggression of the United States and Israel against Iran has also brought with itself new risks for maritime security. This war that was imposed upon the region is the result of known interests of domination that have put at risk, in more than one occasion, peace, security, and regional and international stability. It is urgent to deploy efforts to stop this aggression and its consequences, including the impacts that have been felt in all States in the Middle East. We reiterate our call for respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of all nations in the region, and to preserve the principle of good relationships among neighbors, moderation, and dialogue. Mr. President, the international community should act with determination and urgency to stop the mushrooming of conflicts, coercion in international relations, recurring threats, and the indiscriminate use of force, and the application of an abhorrent doctrine that says that peace can somehow be found through force. We would like to highlight the relevant role of the International Maritime Organization to promote navigational safety. Cuba is a member state, and we deem that it is especially important given its efforts to develop maritime transportation. I would like to conclude by reiterating Cuba's call to promote international cooperation and collective efforts to address common challenges when it comes to international peace and security, and to ensure a safe and sustainable maritime domain on the basis of respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Cuba for the statement. I give the floor now to the representative of New Zealand.

President, maritime routes are critical enablers in our interconnected world. The fundamental navigational rights and freedoms that underpin them are cornerstones of our collective security and prosperity, rules which benefit every country. These rights have been violated. The current crisis is a stark reminder of the grave security and economic impacts that result when international law is ignored and freedom of navigation is impeded. This Council must not only be seized of the international and peace and security dimensions of these issues, but also take action. New Zealand condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. We reject Iran’s interference with unimpeded transit passage guaranteed under international law. Iran's actions are having profound impacts across the globe. We are deeply concerned about the impacts in the Indo-Pacific, where the stability of global supply routes is essential. In the Pacific, supply chain disruptions are having a significant and adverse impact on vulnerable Pacific economies. President, you have asked what frameworks could be strengthened and what role this Council can play. We already have a strong legal framework in place. Unimpeded navigation through international straits is one of the most fundamental principles of international law. All vessels and aircraft enjoy the right of unimpeded transit passage through straits used for international navigation, including the Strait of Hormuz. Transit passage cannot be suspended. The right of vessels and aircraft to transit must be respected during peacetime and times of armed conflict. The right is enshrined in UNCLOS and is customary international law. To fulfill its UN Charter responsibility, the Council must act to uphold these principles. Resolution 2817 was an important step in this context. We welcome the resolution's reaffirmation, together with that of the IMO Council, that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels in accordance with international law must be respected. President, New Zealand was deeply disappointed that the Council was blocked from taking action on this issue earlier this month due to the use of the veto. a mechanism which continues to cripple this Council’s credibility and ability to fulfil its responsibilities. While today, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz necessarily captures our attention, our interests also go beyond the immediate. What happens and how we respond is relevant to other significant international straits if free and unimpeded transit passage is not swiftly re-established. This could have very concerning implications for all of us. We therefore call on all States to uphold international law and immediately permit unimpeded transit passage of all vessels and aircraft through the straits upon which global commerce and livelihoods rely. Thank you, President.

Representative of New Zealand for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Djibouti.

Thank you, Mr. President. Djibouti thanks Bahrain for convening this timely open debate and for its leadership on maritime security. We also thank the Secretary General and the briefers for their valuable insights. This discussion takes place at a moment of heightened tension in key waterways that are vital for our collective peace and prosperity. When security is weakened in any of those choke points, the effects are felt far beyond their shores. As a littoral state at the entrance of the Red Sea, Djibouti is acutely aware that the security of international shipping lanes is not an abstract concept; it is a daily strategic imperative. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the wider Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are arteries of the global economy. Disruption in these waters carries immediate consequences for international trade, energy security, and food supply, especially for the most vulnerable. Djibouti's position on maritime security is clear. First, we reaffirm the centrality of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and relevant instruments of the International Maritime Organization.

Freedom of navigation and overflight.

And the unimpeded transit of commercial shipping in straits used for international navigation are fundamental to international peace and security. They must be respected. by all states and by all non-state actors. Djibouti has a long standing and firm commitment to these principles. The law of the sea has been of great importance to our people since time immemorial. Djibouti was among the original signatories of the Montego Bay Convention and has consistently efforts to uphold a rules-based order at sea. We see clearly that rights over coastal waters come with responsibilities not to impede lawful transit passage, save in full conformity with the Charter of the United Nations. Second, we believe that durable maritime security can only be achieved through genuine international and regional cooperation. Djibouti has invested in such cooperation for many years. We are proud to have hosted and supported the development of the Djibouti Code of Conduct, which has become a cornerstone of regional efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. This experience shows that shared ownership, information sharing, and capacity building can deliver concrete results. Djibouti today hosts multiple facilities that contribute to international counter-piracy and maritime security operations, and serve as a humanitarian logistical hub for the wider region. We cooperate closely with regional and extra-regional partners to help ensure safe passage for shipping in and around the Bab el-Mandeb. Our President, His Excellency Ismail Omar Gelle of Djibouti, has recently reiterated Djibouti's readiness to support concerted international efforts to keep vital sea lanes open, safe, and accessible, consistent with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Third, we see the growing link between maritime security, environmental protection, and climate change. Our waters face multiple overlapping pressures from pollution and illegal activities at sea to rising temperatures and ecosystem degradation. Incidents involving shipwrecks and spills threaten fragile maritime environments. as well as coastal communities whose livelihood depend on the sea. Addressing these risks is both a security and a development priority. The Security Council has an important role to play. It should continue to uphold the rules-based order at sea, reaffirm that no actor may threaten or use force to close and obstruct international shipping routes contrary to the Charter, condemn attacks on commercial shipping and civilian seafarers, and support efforts to de-escalate tensions in key shock points. It should encourage States to implement existing resolutions and international obligations, and to cooperate with regional mechanisms that have proven their effectiveness. At the same time, the Council should remain attentive to the root causes of instability that manifest themselves at sea, including poverty, governance deficits, and the effects of climate change. Responses that focus solely on military instruments or narrow enforcement will not be sufficient. We need comprehensive approaches that integrate security, sustainable development, and environmental resilience. Thank you, Mr. President.

The representative of Paraguay for the – Djibouti, I’m sorry, for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Paraguay.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. The delegation of the Republic of Paraguay thanks you for the opportunity to speak, and we would like to congratulate Bahrain's presidency for holding this meeting. We consider that maritime waterways and maritime law are issues that are highly relevant, Mr. President. Maritime security is an essential basis for economic security and a necessary condition for international trade, development, and prosperity of all Member States of this Organization. Therefore, we consider that both the General Assembly as well as the Security Council have precise roles to carry out when it comes to protecting the freedom of navigation of international waterways. This reality shows that states need, more than ever before, a multilateral forum where we can engage in dialogue. in terms of legal and sovereign equality, and specifically, it should be effective to promote a genuine peace. The law of the sea should be respected and be the source of the creation of joint actions that allow for the free trade of goods and services, as well as food products, energy, and connectivity. strategic waterways should consider the interests of all parties beyond the regions where they are enclaved. Mr. President, in particular, we would like to highlight resolution 2817 of 2026 of this body that Paraguay co-sponsored. Through this resolution, we reaffirmed that the rights and freedoms of navigation of civilian and commercial vessels based on international law should be respected and upheld. These rights, which are reflected in the Convention on the Law of the Sea, establish international maritime governance which is applicable to ocean and river waterways, and this includes navigation through strategic international waterways. Waterways are usually the normal route for huge volumes of gas and oil, as well as bulk basic products, agro-industrial inputs, as well as manufactured goods, among others. They are an indispensable part, therefore, in global supply and production chains. Therefore, the Republic of Paraguay, a country that is landlocked, which depends on a predictable global trade for its security and development, the law of the sea and its implications for developing landlocked countries is essential, and the world is constantly worried about this. Therefore, our interests are turned towards ensuring the freedoms of navigation. This interest is such that Paraguay is the only developing country that is landlocked and has a judge on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. For these reasons, the Republic of Paraguay, or for the Republic of Paraguay, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to attacks or threats against vessels that continue to transit through the state is illegitimate and illegal. Kidnapping these vessels at sea is an affront against international law, the human rights of the crews, and this also undermines the safety, and prosperity of the entire world. President, distinguished colleagues, we reiterate our call for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without any obstacles or conditions, and we call for the respect of international law. I thank you.

The representative of Paraguay for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Estonia.

President, we thank Bahrain for bringing this critical issue before the Security Council. and the briefers for their invaluable insight. Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity: Freedom at sea is not freedom from law. It is freedom anchored in law. Freedom of navigation can no longer be taken for granted. Estonia is acutely aware of these threats, not only in our Baltic Sea region, but globally. This issue demands increased focus, particularly from the Security Council. To defend international peace and security, we must ensure a united response. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is the cornerstone of international maritime law. Today's challenges, including the shadow fleet and threats to critical underwater infrastructure, call for responsible interpretation and enforcement. Where accountability weakens, substandard ships thrive, environmental and security risks rise, and our shared maritime space becomes more vulnerable. First, the shadow fleet. In our maritime area, these vessels predominantly transport Russian goods, routinely evading the environmental and minimum safety standards set by the International Maritime Organization. This practice poses clear risks to maritime safety and the marine environment. while also eroding trust in the rules-based order. When a vessel belongs to no one, accountability quietly slips overboard. Second, critical underwater infrastructure, submarine cables and pipelines, forms the nervous system of our modern world. Recent damage to the undersea cables in the Estonian and Finnish waters underscores the urgency of stronger surveillance and protection. Third, blocking the Strait of Hormuz carries severe consequences for the global economy. Free and safe navigation must be upheld in line with international law. Estonia was proud to be among the historic 135 co-sponsors of Security Council Resolution 2817. It is therefore deeply regrettable that the Security Council was subsequently unable to fulfill its Charter-mandated role and adopt a follow-on resolution on safeguarding international shipping in the Strait? President, the answer lies in what we already have. UNCLOS gives us the tools. We must use them fully and apply the Convention as it was intended: a living, dynamic foundation for peace, security and cooperation at sea.

Thank you.

The representative of Estonia for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.

Thank you, Mr. President, and please allow me to thank you personally and Bahrain for putting this critical issue on the agenda of the Security Council. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union’s Member States, the candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, as well as Andorra and San Marino align themselves with this statement. Mr. President, maritime security is under growing pressure worldwide. Our shared dependence on maritime routes for global trade, energy supply, and economic and food stability makes the security of the seas a matter of collective responsibility. Today, 80 to 90% of international trade is transported by sea. Any disruption has immediate and far-reaching global consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable. Recent developments underline the urgency of our discussions. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has demonstrated how quickly instability can disrupt global shipping, affecting supply chains far beyond the region. We urge all involved to cease all military operations. and fully ensure freedom of navigation, as well as free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. We cannot disregard maritime tensions in other areas, including the South China Sea, as they equally hinder critical shipping routes while challenging the rule-based international order. The European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and international law. The EU and its member states remains strongly committed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the universal and unified legal framework within which all activities in oceans and seas must be carried out. Its provisions reflect customary international law and are thus binding on all states, irrespective of whether they have acceded to the convention or not. Disputes must be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law. The protection of critical maritime infrastructure is also an urgent priority. Recent incidents against submarine cables, including in the Baltic Sea, have highlighted their vulnerability. We must strengthen international cooperation to respond to threats and work together towards developing norms and practices to enhance the protection of this infrastructure. Mr. President, the EU is deeply concerned by the risks shadow fleet vessels posed to the marine environment, to critical maritime infrastructure, to safe navigation, and to coastal communities, while also contributing to sustaining Russia's war economy and sanctions evasion. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated international action, including ongoing work within the International Maritime Organization. Last December, the EU and member states adopted a declaration on making full use of the International Law of the Sea framework relating to threats from the shadow fleet and to the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Traditional maritime threats, dear colleagues, also persist. Piracy, trafficking, and transnational organized crime continue to undermine security and development, notably in regions such as the Gulf of Guinea and the northwestern Indian Ocean. The EU's engagement is comprehensive and operational. Through its naval operations in the Mediterranean, Irini, in the Red Sea, Aspidis, in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean, Atalanta, as well as through coordinated maritime presences in the Gulf of Guinea, the EU provides a predictable and cooperative framework that enhances maritime domain awareness, information sharing, and joint responses to threats. We also invest significantly in capacity building and partnerships. EU-funded maritime security projects and initiatives, including the European Peace Facility, support regional maritime security architectures, improve coordination, and strengthen the operational capacities of our partners. These efforts add up to over 100 million euro annually in Africa alone. President, Resolutions 2817 and 2722 demonstrate the UN Security Council's key role in reinforcing global efforts towards ensuring maritime safety and security. It is essential that the Security Council remain seized of the matter. Thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Lambertini for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate the Bahraini President for convening this important meeting on maritime security. My gratitude also goes to Secretary-General Guterres, IMO Secretary-General Dominguez, and Mr. Lichar Charles for their insightful briefings. Today, The escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz serve as a stark reminder of how maritime instability can trigger global crises, shaking the foundations of the global economy, including energy, industrial, and food security. To address these complex challenges, the Republic of Korea calls for an agile and coordinated response based on the following three priorities. First, we must uphold a maritime order anchored in international law, specifically UN Convention on Law of the Sea. We underscore that no state should be able to decide which vessels may pass through international waterways where all ships and aircraft enjoy the right of transit passage, nor should they impose arbitrary charges. By the same token, Those threats and attacks posed by the non-state actors against the sea lanes and commercial vessels are unacceptable. Second, we must prioritize the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes through diplomacy. In this regard, we commend the mediation efforts of many countries in the region, as well as the tireless work of the Secretary General's personal envoy for the Middle East, in facilitating dialogue and de-escalation. Third, the safety of seafarers and merchant vessels, the backbone of global commerce, must be protected. Attacks on civilians at sea would constitute a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law. Seafarers must never be collateral victims of armed conflict. In this regard, Republic of Korea fully supports the IMO's initiative to establish an evacuation and safe passage framework for vessels and seafarers. Mr. President, as a major maritime nation whose prosperity is inextricably linked to the sea, the Republic of Korea is committed to playing its part in addressing the threat to global maritime security. In this spirit, the Republic of Korea is actively participating in the Maritime Navigation Initiative in Strait of Hormuz led by the United Kingdom and France. We remain firm in our resolve to work with all member states to ensure that our ocean remains safe, open, and secure for all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritania.

Mr. President, my delegation would like to begin by congratulating the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain on its successful presidency of the Security Council for the current month of April. Despite the numerous challenges and crises facing the world today, including the military actions in the Middle East in recent weeks. The Bahraini Presidency was able to carry out active and sustained efforts to steer the Council toward the effective implementation of its mandate in maintaining international peace and security. In this context, This open debate is convened on the safety and protection of international waterways in the maritime domain. My country, Mauritania, has a maritime frontage, a coastal line along the Atlantic Ocean extending over 750 kilometers, and an exclusive economic zone covering an area of 234 square meters. In addition, to its shared maritime space around distant islands in the Atlantic Ocean, extending over 170 nautical miles. For these reasons, maritime security and the protection of the maritime domain are a strategic matter for my country. They also prompt us to underscore the pivotal role of the rules of international law and the international norms in this field. We must also underscore the importance of the Security Council continuing its role in maintaining international peace and security in light of the risks and challenges facing the safety of international navigation, and in particular as related to navigation rights and freedom of navigation and the growing rise in attacks targeting commercial vessels in the high seas. The situation undermines the smooth flow of maritime traffic and transit through maritime straits. These challenges render the role of the Security Council more crucial than ever. These challenges, in addition to traditional threats such as Trafficking, piracy, and other illegal activities do not only affect global security and stability, but also have serious implications for the global economy. International maritime routes constitute a central pillar of the system through which thousands of vessels transit carrying goods and energy resources between continents. This occasion gives us an opportunity to reaffirm the international legal rules that govern this domain and which clearly define the rights and obligations of states, in particular coastal states, as well as the rights and responsibilities of flag states during the passage of vessels through seas, straits, and shipping lanes. This applies to the Strait of Hormuz. which is considered one of the most sensitive maritime passages because of the significant proportion of global oil exports that transit through it. In this regard, it is important to recall that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, affirms the extensive rights of vessels transiting through straits and waterways located between coastal states. Article 38 of the Convention establishes for the transit passage principle through straits used for navigation between one part of the high seas or an exclusive economic zone and another. It also grants littoral states only regulatory rights related to the organization of traffic, fisheries management, and pollution control without any right to impede the passage of vessels. This is in addition to the right of innocent passage through the zones as per the 1958 Geneva Convention and the 1982 Convention in Article 17. Mr. President, Mauritania reiterates its firm commitment to and calls upon all Member States to uphold and respect these rights and obligations. These rights and obligations constitute an essential part of customary international law. We further call upon the members of the Security Council to remain seized of this matter as it constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Thank you, Mr. President.

The representative of Djibouti for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Jordan.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for convening this important session on the safety and protection of waterways in the maritime domain. I also would be remiss not to thank the Secretary General for his briefing this morning, as well as all the briefers, Mr. President. In recent times, we have witnessed a disturbing escalation in threats targeting maritime navigation. In this regard, we note that any threat or obstruction of navigation in international waterways and straits does not only affect a single state or region, but rather generates far-reaching and cascading impacts on the global economy. We reiterate in this context the importance of respecting the rules of international law, and in particular, the UN Convention on Law of the Sea of 1982, UNCLOS, which is the comprehensive legal framework that governs the use of seas and oceans. Convention that guarantees the rights and obligations of States, including freedom of navigation and passage through and safe passage through straits used for international navigation. We also recall Security Council resolution 552 on the importance of respecting freedom of navigation in international waterways and rejecting acts that threaten the safety of commercial vessels or that impede the flow of international trade. We further reaffirm the Security Council resolution 2817 which stressed the need to address Iranian threats targeting maritime navigation, including attacks on vessels and maritime infrastructure. In conclusion, we underscore that the protection of waterways is a shared responsibility of the entire international community. Ensuring their safety requires genuine political will, mutual respect among States, and steadfast adherence to the rules of international law. Jordan reiterates its support for all efforts aimed at enhancing the security and safety of maritime navigation in a manner that contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security and advances the achievement of development. Thank you, Mr. President.

Jordan, for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Croatia.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for convening this important and timely debate. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of its member states, and I would like to add a few points in my national capacity. As we witness today, maritime security is not a mere segment of social, political, and economic stability, but a prerequisite for it, and as such, a global imperative. Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as threats concerning the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, clearly illustrate this point. As a coastal and maritime nation with its Adriatic coastline, whose ports provide the shortest sea route to the heart of Europe, Croatia is directly affected by disruptions in the maritime domain, impacting our national security, economic resilience, and the stability of the wider Mediterranean. Such disruptions affect not only our ports and economy, but also the safety of our seafarers. More than 15,000 Croatian seafarers serve in international navigation. around 0.4% of our total population, placing Croatia among Europe's leading maritime nations. This is especially relevant today as tens of thousands of seafarers worldwide remain stranded in affected areas, highlighting the human dimension of the crisis. At present, 172 Croatian seafarers are in the Strait of Hormuz. Improving the safety of waterways requires full respect for international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which remains the overarching legal framework for all activities at sea. Respect for UNCLOS, including the right to freedom of navigation, is essential for global trade, stability, and security. The International Maritime Organization plays a central role in setting global standards, and its capacity and authority should be further strengthened. Regional initiatives are also important. The Three Seas Initiative, linking the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic Seas, adds a strategic layer to Europe's maritime security by strengthening connectivity, energy security, and digital transformation. Croatia currently presides over this initiative and will host its summit and business forum in Dubrovnik tomorrow and the day after, on April 28th and 29th. Croatia also contributes to EU maritime operations, including EU NAVFOR Somalia Atalanta and EU NAVFOR Med Irini. Mr. President, only a genuine multilateral approach can reduce risks to global shipping and the maritime environment. The Security Council has a critical role in supporting de-escalation, promoting respect for international law, and safeguarding freedom of navigation. Croatia remains ready to work with partners to ensure secure and open maritime routes. Through cooperation, dialogue, and consistent respect for international law, we can keep vital waterways open, safe, and conducive to long-term peace and stability. I thank you.

The representative of Croatia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Poland.

Mr. President, thank you for convening today’s timely debate on maritime security. Aligning itself with the statements delivered by the European Union, for Poland, Maritime security starts with safe navigation, but today the very foundation of that is under attack. When freedom of navigation is compromised, the resilience of the global economy and the integrity of international law begin to crumble. From the Strait of Hormuz to the Baltic Sea, we are witnessing a dangerous shift. The world's most vital trade routes are being transformed into arenas of warfare. Those are no longer regional issues. The consequences are global, with the most severe impact on the least developed countries and vulnerable societies. Mr. President, Poland is concerned about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, but there are no shortcuts here. Only a sustained de-escalation and a diplomatic solution can ensure lasting security. As a maritime nation, we support all peaceful mechanisms aimed at protecting international shipping, global trade, and resilience of the supply chains. We welcome the initiative by the Secretary General to establish a task force to develop a diplomatic path for

restoring the flow of fertilizers and humanitarian goods through the Strait of Hormuz.

We express readiness to support this work and remain open to other relevant international initiatives. At the same time, Poland remains deeply alarmed by the activities of the Russian shadow fleet, or so-called clunker fleet. This is not just a fleet of old tankers. It is a floating financial lifeline for Putin’s war machine and a deliberate tool for circumventing international sanctions. In the Baltic Sea, Russia has turned the seabed into a hybrid battlefield. Sabotaging undersea cables and energy pipelines has become a low-cost, high-impact instrument for Moscow, used to intimidate sovereign nations under the guise of plausible deniability. European Union has already sanctioned nearly 600 vessels and entities related to the shadow fleet. We encourage broader international alignment with these efforts and increased pressure. Enhanced coordination and information sharing, including within the United Nations framework, would be extremely useful in this regard. We also stress the importance of supporting flag states in building adequate maritime oversight capacities while recalling their responsibilities under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea.

Finally,

We see value in strengthening global maritime governance through the International Maritime Organization, particularly in enhancing transparency in vessel registration and ensuring more effective compliance with existing rules. Mr. President, maritime security is about safeguarding the foundations of international stability. Accountability is non-negotiable. Those who weaponize the seas and undermine the law of the sea must face consequences, including through restrictive measures.

And I thank. I thank the representative of Poland for the statement. The representative of China has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I give them the floor.

President, the Japanese representatives' unwarranted remarks regarding the East China Sea and the South China Sea completely confound black and white. In reality, the situation in the East and South China Seas remains stable overall, and the South China Sea stands as one of the freest shipping lanes in the world. On the contrary, it is Japan that recently sent Self-Defense Force vessels to flex their muscles and deliberately provoke tensions in the Taiwan Strait. This sends a gravely erroneous signal to the Taiwan independence separatists and exposes the ulterior motives of certain factions in Japan to intervene in the Strait by force and sabotage peace and stability across the Strait. During World War II, Japan waged wars of aggression against countries adjacent to the East and South China Seas, subjecting them to colonial rule and thereby amassed profound historical guilt. Japan must deeply reflect on its past and tread carefully in words and deeds, rather than flaunting its military might and destabilizing the region. President, historically, Japanese militarism relied on a standard playbook to launch wars of aggression, fabricating "external threats," inciting nationalism, and hijacking the state apparatus. Today, rather than showing true remorse, Japanese right-wing forces are doubling on reckless provocations regarding China's Taiwan region, the history of World War II, and military security, to name just a few. Erroneous remarks on Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last year have dealt a severe blow to China-Japan relations. Recently, Japanese politicians and officials have repeatedly visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Class A war criminals of World War II, in a blatant attempt to whitewash its wars of aggression, overturn the verdicts on its war criminals, and challenge both the Tokyo trials and the post-war international order. By way of constitutional amendments and other measures, Japanese right-wing forces are steering Japan's security policy towards an offensive and expansionist posture, vainly attempting to accelerate its re-militarization by reviving its military-industrial complex. By relaxing restrictions on lethal weapon exports, deploying offensive missiles, drastically inflating military spending, and floating the abandonment of his quote unquote three non-nuclear principles, Japan's intent to pave the way for military expansion is laid bare. President, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials. These trials adjudicated the crimes of aggression committed by Japanese militarism and militarists. Defending historical truth, international justice, and human dignity. Today, 80 years later, a new militarism is resurging in Japan, posing a dire threat to global peace and stability. The international community must strike back resolutely. We can never allow Japanese militarism to rise from the ashes. Regarding the EU representative, I must remind him to refrain from issuing unsubstantiated and irresponsible remarks on the South China Sea issue. I thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. There are still a number of speakers remaining on my list for the meeting. I intend with the concurrence of members of the Council, to suspend the meeting until Wednesday 29th of April at 10:00 AM. This meeting is suspended.