The United Kingdom supports the unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz, said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“The unconditional and immediate opening of the Strait is a global responsibility and we must act to restore the free flow of global energy and trade. Emmanuel Macron and I are very clearly committed to creating a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation. We must ensure commercial shipping and support mine action to restore global stability and security,” the statement quoted by 10 Downing Street said.
Starmer is expected to make the speech on April 17 at a video conference on the Strait of Hormuz, to be held in Paris and chaired by the British Prime Minister and the French President.
Starmer will be joined in the French capital by the UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton. Around 40 countries will take part in the conference.
“Leaders will focus on supporting the fragile ceasefire in the region and ensuring the long-term restoration and security of shipping lanes through the Strait, complementing ongoing diplomatic efforts to consolidate peace. The discussions will also include supporting the important work of the International Maritime Organization, whose representatives will join the conversation to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels,“ Starmer's office said in a statement.
Next week, a meeting of military experts from the same countries will be held at the Northwood Defense Center near London. “Currently, plans are underway to deploy joint military forces as soon as conditions allow. The international mission will be strictly defensive in nature,“ the statement noted. In addition, the countries of this coalition intend to strengthen cooperation with insurance companies to fully restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer's office added that the British prime minister will also hold a bilateral meeting with Macron on Friday. The leaders will discuss support for Ukraine, illegal migration, the economy and European security.