South Korea’s presdient to join UK–France talks on Strait of Hormuz

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will take part in high-level talks led by Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer this week focusing on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the presidential office said on April 16.

The virtual meeting, scheduled for late April 17 (Seoul time), aims to address the security of maritime routes through the strategically vital passage, a key artery for global energy supplies, Caliber.Az reports per Korean media. 

"As the freedom and security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz serve the interests of all parties and are vital to our national interests, we are continuing efforts to work in solidarity with countries that share similar positions," a senior official told reporters.

According to the official, Lee is preparing a message that will highlight the importance of stable energy supply chains, South Korea’s position on the evolving Middle East situation, and the need for international cooperation to safeguard maritime transit.

The leader-level talks follow a series of earlier consultations among participating countries, including a France-led video conference of senior military officials on March 26 and a Britain-led ministerial meeting on April 2, both attended by South Korea.

The United States is not expected to participate in the upcoming meeting, while the involvement of China and Japan remains unconfirmed, the official added.

By Sabina Mammadli