Saudi Cabinet Calls for Free Navigation Through Key Regional Waterways

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the meeting also reviewed developments concerning the establishment of the secretariat of the Makkah Defence Pact.

The Cabinet called for the situation in the Strait of Hormuz to return to the conditions that existed before February 28 and said maritime traffic should not face additional fees or restrictions.

Saudi Arabia also rejected the use of major waterways as a means of exerting pressure on states, issuing threats or harming their interests.

The Cabinet stressed the importance of respecting international law and relevant United Nations resolutions in dealing with security and navigation in the region.

The Saudi government also welcomed a UN Security Council condemnation of attacks by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, Saudi Arabia reiterated its position that a lasting and just peace in the region requires implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet also reviewed the outcome of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and discussed the kingdom’s diplomatic efforts concerning international peace, security and humanitarian issues.