Saudi Arabia Calls for Safeguarding Shipping Lanes, Energy Flows at UN Meeting
Saudi Arabia has stressed the significance of protecting maritime routes and freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, during the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Meeting in New York, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In his address, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the stability of global energy markets and ensuring reliable, efficient supply flows to bolster the global economy and achieve sustainable development.
During the meeting, titled “Safeguarding Energy and Supply Flows: Supporting Global Development Through International Cooperation,” Alwasil emphasized that safeguarding maritime routes and freedom of navigation are key pillars for global economic stability and the sustainability of international supply chains.
The Saudi Representative condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and civilian facilities due to the threat they pose to maritime navigation and global supply chains.
In light of this, he reiterated the need to boost international coordination and to adhere to international law to safeguard the security of shipping lanes and protect the freedom of navigation.
Importantly, Alwasil highlighted draft resolution 2817, introduced by Bahrain to safeguard navigation and freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which has received broad support, as a vital step toward enhancing regional security and stability.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed the critical need for reliable and affordable energy access to bolster sustainable development and combat energy poverty, especially in developing nations.
He also called for the adoption of an integrated approach that enhances cooperation and innovation while taking into account differing national circumstances and development priorities of states.
