The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council have rejected as “unlawful” any claim by a state to sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz, whilst opposing the imposition of permits or fees on international shipping through the strategic waterway.
“No bilateral arrangement, understanding or memorandum between states may unlawfully regulate or restrict the right of passage through an international strait,” the two blocs said in a joint statement following the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in Brussels.
They said the right of passage is guaranteed to all states under international law and “may not be subjected to the control or authorization of any state.”
The forum was co-chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
The EU and GCC reaffirmed that freedom of navigation, including passage through the Strait of Hormuz, is guaranteed under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“Ships of all states enjoy these rights, and no state may suspend, obstruct or subject them to any conditions,” the statement said.
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