Riyadh: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed the announcement by the Sultanate of Oman, in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), offering a temporary maritime corridor for vessels to help evacuate more than 11,000 stranded seafarers while enhancing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and the Law of the Sea.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the secretary-general praised this initiative, which embodies the wise approach pursued by the Sultanate of Oman in supporting regional security and stability, enhancing maritime safety and security, and consolidating the principles of international law, thereby contributing to ensuring the smooth flow of regional and international trade.
Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's rejection and condemnation of the claims issued by Iran and its threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following this initiative announcement, affirming that the Omani step contributes to evacuating stranded seafarers and bolstering supply chains for both regional and global economies, and reflects the GCC countries' support for all regional and international efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security, consolidating security and stability, and de-escalating tensions in the region.