Abu dhabi: A United Arab Emirates (UAE) minister of state has emphasized any attempts to disrupt commercial shipping and attacks on civilians in the Strait of Hormuz must stop. UAE State Minister Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri made the remarks in a recent written interview with Yonhap News Agency as a South Korean-operated vessel was struck by two unidentified airborne objects while stranded in the chokepoint last week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, there is broad international consensus that freedom of navigation in the Strait must be preserved, and that Iran must immediately cease its threats, mine-laying, and drone and missile attacks. The minister stressed that the international community will not tolerate attacks on sovereignty, civilians, or critical infrastructure, emphasizing the UAE's commitment to working with partners to safeguard maritime security and ensure the safe passage of the waterway.
Since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and logistics through the strategic waterway. Chinese and French civilian ships came under attack around the same time the South Korean-operated cargo ship HMM Namu was hit by flying objects. The UAE's foreign ministry condemned the strike on the South Korean ship as a "terrorist attack" on Monday (local time). The Korean government said further analysis is needed to determine who was responsible for the strike.
Regarding bilateral ties with South Korea, Al Hajeri pledged to further strengthen cooperation with Seoul in energy and other areas. He noted that the Republic of Korea is among the UAE's closest partners, with energy cooperation being a central pillar of their Special Strategic Partnership. The steady supply of crude oil to South Korea during periods of uncertainty reflects the depth and resilience of this partnership.
Following his visit to the UAE in March as a special presidential envoy, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said the Middle Eastern country had pledged to prioritize South Korea in crude oil supplies. Al Hajeri highlighted South Korea's capability and trust as a partner across various sectors, including the Barakah nuclear energy program, industrial development, and advanced technologies, reflecting deeper, reciprocal cooperation in their energy relationship.