Today in Rome, Special Session of FAO Council - Closure of the Strait of Hormuz – consequences for global food security

Today, a special session of the FAO Council chaired very efficiently by Mina Rizk, the Independent Chairperson of the Council(ICC), took place in Rome to discuss the devastating consequences of the current closure of the Strait of Hormuz for global food security. The 180th Council session of this specialised UN Organisation had been requested by the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and co-sponsored by the European Union. The EU Ambassador expressed full solidarity with our partners from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and their people.

As said by European Council President Antonio Costa last Friday in Cyprus: They can count on us. Since the beginning of the war, we have consistently called for de-escalation and negotiations, in full respect of international law and international humanitarian law. The recent announcement of the prolongation of the ceasefire is a welcome step. Negotiations must continue with the objective to find a lasting solution to end this war and address the core concerns. And the Strait of Hormuz must immediately reopen without restrictions and without tolling, in full respect of international law and the principle of freedom of navigation. This is vital for the entire world and for global food security.

At FAO, the EU and its Member States therefore supported today the unanimous adoption of Council conclusions that condemn Iran's actions and call for active support of FAO to monitoring and re-establishing flows of food, fertilizers and seeds through the Strait of Hormuz. We also welcomed and expressed support for the dedicated Task Force created by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for this purpose.

EUDEL