Foreign ministers of eight countries discuss maritime security in Istanbul
The meeting, initiated by Germany and Türkiye, focused on freedom of navigation and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and the Black Sea.
Foreign ministers from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia met for the first time in Istanbul to discuss safe shipping routes and conflicts involving Iran and Yemen.
Foreign ministers from eight countries met for the first time in Istanbul on the initiative of Germany and Türkiye. Their discussions focused on freedom of navigation and conflicts involving Iran and Yemen.
The meeting brought together representatives of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said threats to shipping routes raise transport costs, disrupt supply chains and make essential goods harder to obtain.
According to Germany’s Foreign Office, tensions are particularly high at Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman. Since July 2026, Yemen’s Houthi forces have stepped up attacks on ships and targets in Saudi Arabia and have blocked vessels with links to Saudi Arabia from entering or leaving the Red Sea.
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About 12% of global maritime trade passes through Bab al-Mandab. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption is transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Unsafe routes can increase shipping costs and affect prices at petrol stations and supermarkets.
Civilian shipping is also under pressure in the Black Sea. Germany’s Foreign Office says Russian attacks since July 2026 have brought Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea almost to a halt. The route previously carried around 30% of global wheat trade.
Wadephul said Germany participates in the EU-led EUNAVFOR ASPIDES naval operation, which protects merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Germany also supports efforts to secure a ceasefire for civilian shipping.
