54 Countries Join Virtual Meeting on “Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative”

A virtual diplomatic meeting titled the “Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative” was reportedly held under the leadership of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, bringing together representatives from 54 countries.

The meeting focused on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and stability in one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes — the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy trade.

According to participants, leaders and senior officials from countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East took part in the discussions.

Countries represented included:

United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, South Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Sweden, and Ukraine, among others.

Key focus of discussions:

• Ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters
• Enhancing maritime security cooperation
• Protecting global energy supply routes
• Strengthening coordinated naval and surveillance efforts

Officials described the initiative as part of broader efforts to maintain stability in critical maritime corridors amid rising regional tensions and global trade concerns.

No detailed joint declaration has yet been released, but further consultations are expected in the coming weeks.