South Korea Joins Seven-Nation Joint Statement Condemning Iran's Blockade of Hormuz Strait

South Korea will participate in a joint statement by seven countries—including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada—condemning Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Hormuz Strait viewed from Musandam, Oman. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 20th, "This decision was made after comprehensively considering our government's fundamental stance on the safety of international maritime routes and the freedom of navigation, the international community's response, and the direct impact that disruptions in passage through the Strait of Hormuz could have on our energy supply and economy."

The ministry further explained, "Our participation in this joint statement is significant in that it reaffirms our commitment to contributing to the international community's efforts to ensure safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz."

Additionally, the government stated, "Going forward, we will continue to closely cooperate with the international community, including other participating countries, to ensure the prompt normalization of global maritime logistics networks."

According to reports from AP and others, on the 19th (local time), the seven countries issued a joint statement, saying, "We condemn in the strongest terms the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces." They also expressed their readiness to contribute appropriate efforts to secure safe maritime routes, emphasized that maritime security and freedom of navigation are in the interest of all nations, and called on Iran to comply with international law. The joint statement was initially issued in the name of six countries, with Canada joining later.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not announced a stance regarding participation in the statement until later in the afternoon, but decided to participate just one day after the explanation was released.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.