UK to Host Meeting of 35 Countries on Reopening Strait of Hormuz

UK Announces Talks with 35 Countries on Reopening Strait of Hormuz

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will convene a virtual meeting of 35 countries to discuss measures for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed due to ongoing tensions in the region. The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, will be hosted by UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper and aims to assess diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation, ensure the safety of trapped ships and seafarers, and resume the movement of vital commodities.

The closure of the strait has significant implications for global energy supplies, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas passing through it. In response, several countries have announced plans to release strategic reserves in an effort to mitigate the crisis.

Starmer stated that participating countries who recently signed a statement expressing their willingness to contribute to safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be included in this week’s talks. The UK, along with France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, have already signed the statement.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that reopening the strait “will not be easy.” No further details on the meeting or its outcomes were provided.

Source: Al Jazeera