Saudi Arabia Warns of Risks to Global Energy Security Over West Asian Shipping Routes
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling on the international community to take stronger measures to protect freedom of navigation through major waterways in West Asia.
The Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are crucial for international shipping, energy transportation and regional trade, according to bin Farhan. He emphasized that disruptions to these routes pose risks to international peace and global energy security.
Bin Farhan specifically highlighted the importance of maintaining safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world's most important energy transit routes. The waterway connects Iran and Oman and has large volumes of oil and gas shipments passing through it.