Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has called for serious international cooperation to protect freedom of navigation and stressed that any arrangements for regional security should be comprehensive.
“Protecting international navigation is a shared responsibility that requires serious international cooperation,” he said in an address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday.
"The international community has been absent from assuming its responsibilities in confronting all that threatens international peace and security," he said.
"The kingdom stresses the importance of guaranteeing the protection of freedom of navigation in all international waterways, foremost among them the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden," he added.
The top Saudi diplomat also voiced support for initiatives aimed at de-escalation, particularly efforts by Qatar and Pakistan, saying they can help restore regional stability.
Farhan added that Riyadh supports efforts to reduce tensions in the region and stressed, “the importance that any arrangements for its security be comprehensive.”
The minister further demanded the return of conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to what they were before February 28, without imposing any fees or taxes.
"The kingdom rejects any party's use of these vital passages as a tool for pressure, threat, or harm to the interests of states, in a manner consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions," he said.
On Palestine, Farhan said obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza and attempts to displace Palestinians constitute violations of international law.
He also said the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements represents a serious violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
On Syria, he reiterated Riyadh’s rejection of any violations that threaten the country’s security and stability.
He also welcomed the US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Turning to Iraq, the top Saudi diplomat affirmed Saudi support for Iraq’s sovereignty, security, and stability.
He stressed that Iraqi territory should not be used as a launching point for attacks against neighbouring countries.
