Dhaka condemns Houthi naval blockade
Bangladesh on Wednesday strongly condemned the declaration of a naval blockade against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Houthi movement, warning that such actions could escalate tensions, undermine regional peace and disrupt international maritime trade.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said it viewed the declaration with deep concern, stressing that any attempt to interfere with maritime navigation in the Red Sea could have far reaching economic consequences.
Bangladesh reaffirmed its support for uninterrupted and lawful navigation in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), across international maritime routes.
The foreign ministry noted that the Red Sea is a vital artery for global trade and energy supplies, and any disruption to shipping in the region would have serious economic implications for countries and people around the world.
The government also underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all seafarers and the uninterrupted movement of goods through international waters.
Dhaka called on all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law, refrain from actions that could jeopardise maritime security and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions.
Expressing concern over the continuing instability in the Middle East, Bangladesh reiterated its long standing position that dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful engagement remain the only sustainable means of resolving conflicts.
The statement reflects Bangladesh’s continued support for international maritime security and the peaceful settlement of disputes amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, recently Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, formally invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the Kingdom, signalling a new phase in bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The Saudi Ambassador conveyed greetings from the Saudi leadership and extended an official invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia,” Prime Minister’s Foreign Adviser Humaiun Kobir told the journalists on 6 July.
Describing the development as a landmark moment in bilateral ties, the Foreign Adviser said the exchange of invitations came within the first four months of the current government’s tenure.
“This is a significant moment for our relationship with Saudi Arabia. We are very positive about establishing strategic cooperation and partnership with the Kingdom and taking our longstanding friendship to new heights,” Kobir said.
