Morocco denounces Strait of Hormuz closure at the UN

Morocco’s ambassador to the UN Omar Hilale has denounced the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz during a Security Council meeting, reports Moroccan government-friendly Hespress on 29th April. Hilale was taking part in a high level debate hosted by Bahrain and focusing on maritime security.

Amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the Trump administration over the Strait, the Moroccan ambassador described the situation as profoundly worrying, adding that no state should be allowed to take the world hostage by blocking maritime pathways and that seas were a part of the world’s common heritage. The strait, which falls into Iranian and Omani waters, is one of the main arteries for global hydrocarbon traffic, carrying a fifth of the world’s oil tankers, and Iran has been limiting passage in response to US attacks on its territory.

While Morocco is not involved in the conflict, rising energy and transport prices are significantly impacting the Kingdom’s economy. It is a net importer of hydrocarbons, which accounts for 7% of its GDP, and any significant increase could affect the country’s predicted growth and lead to inflation.

The crisis has been described as “the largest in history” and it has hit Africa and the Middle East particularly badly, forcing states to use their reserves and to adjust to rising costs.

Hilale also condemned attacks in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden by armed groups, describing them as violations of international law. In particular, he mentioned attacks against commercial ships, calling them unjustified by any political ideology. Finally, he emphasized the importance of maritime safety as a pillar of global security, and used Morocco as a example of cooperation and shared resources, praising the King’s initiative to open access to the Atlantic Ocean to Sahel countries.

Morocco has maintained a strong stance against Iran in the current conflict, and the state had previously expressed its “full solidarity” for Gulf states targeted by Iran, which included Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan. King Mohammed VI had also personally called regional leaders as a sign of support.

Hespress, Le Monde, Maghrebi.org