New York, April 28 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has affirmed that freedom of navigation in international waterways is a fundamental principle of international law, stressing that serious dialogue, adherence to international legal principles, and good neighborliness are the cornerstones for resolving crises and avoiding their serious repercussions.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate titled, "The safety and protection of waterways in the maritime domain."

Her Excellency stated that the meeting is held at a critical time. Threats to the safety of international waterways and freedom of navigation are escalating beyond traditional challenges, posing a threat to international peace, security, and economy, particularly in vital maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Her Excellency pointed out that freedom of navigation is a core principle of international law as stipulated in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. She also underscored the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 552 of 1984, which highlighted the Gulf region's significance for international peace and security and its vital role in global economic stability. The resolution called on all states to respect freedom of navigation in international waters and sea lanes for vessels bound to and from ports and facilities of coastal states not party to hostilities, as well as to respect the territorial integrity of those states.

Regarding developments in the Strait of Hormuz, HE pointed to the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2817, submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan. The resolution condemned attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on the territories of Qatar, GCC countries, and Jordan, describing them as violations of international law and serious threats to international peace and security. It also reaffirmed support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of GCC states and Jordan, and condemned any acts or threats aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz or disrupting international navigation, stressing that any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in such waterways constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security.

Her Excellency further highlighted the importance of ensuring the security of maritime routes, freedom of navigation, and international trade in accordance with international law to preserve regional stability and global supply chains. HE Permanent Representative also welcomed the ongoing mediation efforts led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, along with all parties engaged in mediation and good offices that contributed to reaching a ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing the importance of full adherence to the ceasefire announcement to create conditions conducive to dialogue, including guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Her Excellency reiterated Qatar's firm support for all diplomatic efforts and peaceful initiatives, emphasizing that serious dialogue and commitment to international law and good neighborliness remain the foundation for resolving crises and preventing their dangerous consequences, strengthening efforts to maintain international peace and security and the safety and protection of maritime waterways, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. (QNA)