Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said today, 2 April, at a United Kingdom-led virtual meeting of 35 countries that all possible diplomatic and political measures must be used to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“At today’s virtual meeting, attended by foreign ministries from 35 countries, possible steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were discussed. Given that approximately 11% of global maritime trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, along with a significant share of oil and gas exports from Gulf countries, all participating states have an interest in restoring freedom of navigation in this waterway of great strategic importance,” Tsahkna said.
According to the foreign minister, Estonia supports all measures that strengthen maritime security and ensure freedom of navigation. “One effective measure could be to increase sanctions pressure on Iran and to curb the activities of Iran’s shadow fleet,” Tsahkna said.
Tsahkna added that reopening the Strait is also important in the context of Russia’s war of aggression.
“The current rise in oil prices and disruptions in the availability of energy resources in the Middle East have supported Russia’s interests and enabled it to generate additional revenues to continue its aggression against Ukraine. This trend must be reversed and pressure on Russia must be increased,” the foreign minister said.
“Discussions and cooperation among international partners to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will continue,” Tsahkna added.
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