Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has called for the creation of an international code of conduct to guarantee security in strategic straits and maritime chokepoints. Speaking at a high-level event on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Bourita emphasized that the security of these vital passages requires collective action and respect for international law.
Bourita highlighted that straits such as the Strait of Gibraltar, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Bab el-Mandeb are essential for global trade and energy supplies, and that any disruption poses a threat to international peace and stability. He stressed the need for a binding framework that ensures freedom of navigation and prevents unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.
The Moroccan minister also pointed to the growing challenges of piracy, terrorism, and hybrid threats in maritime domains, urging the international community to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing. He noted that Morocco, given its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, is committed to contributing to maritime security initiatives.
Bourita's proposal comes amid rising global concerns over the safety of key maritime routes, particularly in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, where attacks on commercial vessels have increased in recent years. The call for a code of conduct aligns with broader efforts by the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization to enhance maritime security.
