Saudi Arabia Urges Protection of Key Waterways at UN General Assembly

Saudi Arabia has called for the protection of freedom of navigation through the world's most critical maritime corridors, telling the United Nations General Assembly that shipping lanes must not be used as instruments of coercion.

Addressing the assembly, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom stresses the importance of safeguarding navigation in all international waterways, naming the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

He called for conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to return to what they were before February 18, without the imposition of fees or restrictions.

"The Kingdom rejects the use of these vital passages by any party as a tool for pressure, threat, or harm to the interests of countries," Prince Faisal said, adding that this position is in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

The remarks come as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and raises concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have made gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast and around Bab el-Mandeb, while also launching attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. Vessel traffic through both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has fallen amid the regional escalation.

Prince Faisal also set out the kingdom's position on regional security, saying any arrangements must be comprehensive, effective and sustainable, and must clearly address the sources of threat and instability.

He further called for the Middle East to be made entirely free of weapons of mass destruction, and said peaceful nuclear programmes should be subject to international oversight, verification and safeguards to foster trust and uphold regional and international security.