KATHMANDU: The 80 member states of the United Nations, led by Bahrain, have called for the immediate and full reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to ensure the safe and unhindered movement of ships through it.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdul Latif al-Zayani made the call on behalf of the participating countries at a press conference held at the UN headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations. He said the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have serious implications for international trade, energy security and the global economy.

According to Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry, Al-Zayani called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 passed in March. He expressed concern over the death of an Indian national in an attack on a ship off the coast of Oman and six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthi group towards Saudi Arabia and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

The 80-nation joint statement expressed concern over Iran’s alleged attacks against neighboring countries, disruptions to international trade, and threats to energy security and the global economy. The participating countries called for the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and to ensure the safe passage of ships without any illegal fees or obstructions.

The statement also expressed concern about the activities of the Houthi group in Yemen, attacks against Saudi Arabia and attacks in the Red Sea. It warned that further activities in the Bab al-Mandab basin could increase the risk to international maritime movement and global trade.