KUALA LUMPUR: More than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, have expressed readiness to support efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Gulf. "We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. "Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea," the statement read. "Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security," it stated.

Source: The Star March 21, 2026 23:25 UTC