Bahraini Foreign Minister: We reject any fees imposed on the transit of the Strait of Hormuz
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, affirming that the right of passage through it is guaranteed by international law, and rejecting the imposition of any fees or permits on traffic through it.
Al Zayani, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that the right of passage is guaranteed under international law, emphasizing that “the Strait of Hormuz must not be subjected to the conditions of a single state.”
The Bahraini minister rejected the imposition of any fees or permits for transit through the strait, stating that the right of passage “is not forfeited simply because an alternative is temporarily available,” and warned that what is accepted today in one strait could be demanded tomorrow in every international waterway.
He affirmed that the security of maritime routes is a collective responsibility that is not subject to bilateral understandings, welcoming the creation of the multinational maritime defense coalition and calling for the implementation of international resolutions concerning waterways.
He said that Gulf states are exercising the highest degree of restraint, considering that they have the right to take all lawful measures to safeguard their sovereignty, and noting that what is happening in the Gulf region affects the entire world.
On the Yemeni issue, Al Zayani said that Bahrain appreciates Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support reaching a political solution in Yemen under UN auspices.
He called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the protection of civilians, while accusing the Houthi group of threatening freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, and condemning its attacks on civilian targets and Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia.
The Bahraini Foreign Minister pointed out that the Gulf region is experiencing an unprecedented security situation, accusing Iran of launching “unjustified random attacks” against Gulf states and Jordan.
