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'The situation in the Middle East remains extremely serious and alarming. As a major maritime nation, Norway and Norwegian shipping interests are directly affected by Iran's unacceptable obstruction of passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a vital artery for global trade. The closure and threats to maritime security affect not only the more than 20 000 seafarers and stranded vessels in the strait and the countries in the region; they also have increasingly severe global economic and humanitarian consequences,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

'The longer this war continues, the worse these consequences will become, and the longer it will take to restore normality. This is why it was important for me to take part in today's meeting, where colleagues from all continents were represented,' the Norwegian foreign minister stated.

Thirty-three days have now passed since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran that marked the beginning of the current conflict in the Middle East.

'In my intervention, I underlined the importance of respect for international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This broad international coalition must send a clear message to Iran: it is unacceptable that the closure in this way also affects countries that are not party to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Furthermore, we must avoid allowing the current situation to create a precedent that would weaken fundamental principles and the freedom of navigation. Freedom of navigation is a cornerstone of international law,' said the Minister, who also expressed support for the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and for the stranded seafarers.

The meeting discussed concrete immediate measures, including ensuring the transport of particularly critical goods for humanitarian reasons, in agreement with the parties to the conflict, drawing on experience from the Black Sea. There was also broad agreement on the importance of the full reopening of the strait in the longer term, and that no new precedent must be established that would allow coastal states to restrict or impose charges for passage through international straits - that is, waterways connecting two parts of the high seas. The Law of the Sea Convention makes it unequivocally clear that the right of transit passage through such straits is unconditional.

'In today's meeting, I emphasised Norway's solidarity with the countries in the region affected by the war, including the Gulf states and other countries in the Middle East that are subjected daily to Iranian attacks. I reiterate my call on all parties to respect international law, protect civilians and seek diplomatic solutions,' said Espen Barth Eide.