Manama: On the occasion of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in Brussels on 13 July, co-chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas on behalf of the European Union, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in his capacity as President of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the High Representative and the Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council issued the following joint statement:
According to Bahrain News Agency, the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council have reaffirmed that freedom of navigation, including the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, is guaranteed under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These rights, they emphasize, belong to the ships of all States and cannot be suspended, impeded, or made conditional by any State.
The joint statement strongly condemns the attacks carried out by Iran against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and against the sovereign territory of States in the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These acts, they assert, endangered civilian lives and mariners, violated international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and are deemed wholly unjustifiable.
The statement further rejects any assertion of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any State, and opposes any regime of permits, transit tolls, or service fees imposed upon international shipping. It highlights that no bilateral arrangement, understanding, or memorandum between States can unlawfully govern or restrict the right of passage through an international strait, which is guaranteed to all States under international law and cannot be subordinated to the control or permission of any State.
Expressing full solidarity with the States affected by these attacks and with the seafarers of all nationalities placed in danger, the statement underscores that an attack on the security of one is a concern for all who depend on the safety of this vital waterway.
The EU and GCC call upon Iran to cease immediately and unconditionally all attacks and interference with maritime navigation; to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, sustainably and without condition, toll, or fee; and to comply fully with international law and Security Council Resolution 2817. They reject the imposition of any unilateral or unlawful mechanism or arrangement affecting safe passage through the Strait and urge States to work within and support international and regional institutions responsible for maritime governance, safety, and security, particularly the International Maritime Organisation.
The statement concludes by highlighting the commitment of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council to continue coordinating closely to uphold freedom of navigation, support the protection of international shipping and seafarers, and advance a just and durable peace and security in the region, consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. They also call for restraint and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis and uphold freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.