- Critical discussions on the Strait of Hormuz are set to be
hosted in Paris today, as the Prime Minister and President Macron
of France chair a virtual meeting of the new Strait of
Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.
- Security cooperation, critical supply chains and support to
industry are on the agenda as leaders
discuss joint efforts to restore freedom of navigation in
the Strait and mitigate global economic impacts
- Prime Minister joined by the Foreign Secretary and Chief of
Defence Staff as the government continues to defend British
values and British incomes in the face of Iranian aggression
World leaders will come together this afternoon to establish
an international mission to re-open the Strait of
Hormuz.
Prime Minister will arrive in Paris later
this morning (Friday 17 April) to co-host a virtual meeting of
the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.
Around 40 countries are expected to join the summit.
The leaders will focus on supporting the fragile
ceasefire in the region and ensure shipping routes are reopened
and secured through the Strait for the long
term, complementing ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce
peace.
Discussions will also include supporting the vital work of
the International Maritime Organisation, who will dial into the
call, to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels.
The Prime Minister who visited the Gulf states last week has been
laser-focused on ensuring all diplomatic, military and economic
efforts are being made to support the ceasefire and protect
people at home from the impact on the cost of living from the
conflict.
The Prime Minister is expected to tell the
Summit:
"The unconditional and immediate reopening of the Strait is a
global responsibility, and we need to act to get global energy
and trade flowing freely again.
"Emmanuel Macron and I are clear in our commitment to
establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of
navigation.
"We must reassure commercial shipping and support mine
clearance operations to ensure a return to global stability and
security."
Planning is underway now, with a view to deploying a combined
military effort as soon as conditions allow. The international
mission will be strictly defensive in nature.
Friday's conference will be followed by a multi-national
military planning summit at Permanent Joint Headquarters in
Northwood next week.
Partners are also expected to step up engagement with the
insurance industry to accelerate the mobilisation of commercial
shipping when the conditions allow.
While in Paris, the Prime Minister and President Macron will
also have a bilateral lunch. The leaders are expected
to discuss Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine, and
shared challenges such as illegal migration, growth and stepping
up European security.
