Belgium has been asked to join an international initiative aimed at ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The request followed a joint statement by 6 countries. It will be discussed at Friday’s meeting of the Federal Cabinet.
Belgium asked to join international initiative to ensure safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz
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On Thursday Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom said that they are willing to take “appropriate measures to guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping shipping route. Shipping throuch the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted as a result of the conflict between Iran and Isreal and the United States.
Diplomatic sources say that the UK government has asked Belgium to support the initiative. It is still unclear what exactly is meant by “appropriate measures”. However, participation will be discussed by the Federal Inner Cabinet on Friday as possible defensive military support for Gulf states.
Economic impact
The Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Francophone centrist) has warned that Belgium could be significantly impacted by the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Not least by rising energy prices and potential shortages of key supplies such as fertilisers.
Mr Prévot told the Federal Parliament on Thursday that “This is not our war, but doing nothing is probably unsustainable. We cannot simply stand by and let it happen”.
Mr Prévot stated that any Belgian participation in efforts to ensure the safe passage of shipping would only be taken if clear conditions are met. “A mandate at the very least and a clearly defined objective will be required.”