Lee vows ‘practical contribution’ to secure Hormuz shipping routes

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a briefing with public institutions and affiliated agencies at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung pledged Friday that Korea will make a “practical contribution” to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the country’s reliance on the vital maritime route.

Lee made the remarks during a virtual summit on maritime security in the strait, jointly led by France and the United Kingdom and attended by leaders and representatives from around 50 countries, according to vice presidential spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo.

The meeting focused on securing safe passage through the waterway, protecting seafarers and vessels and exploring measures to guarantee maritime safety after the conflict ends.

Lee was the first among the leaders participating virtually to speak at the meeting.

He warned that the disruptions to the strait, “a critical artery supporting the global supply chain,” are shaking energy, financial, industrial and food security worldwide.

Lee also pointed to worsening conditions for crews stranded in the area, emphasizing that their safety and health cannot be fully guaranteed under current circumstances.

He urged the international community to “swiftly resolve the deadlock” and jointly develop a management mechanism to stabilize the strait.

As Korea imports about 70 percent of its crude oil through the passage, Lee described the country as a key stakeholder and expressed a strong commitment to contributing to efforts to ensure freedom of navigation.

Participants shared their assessments of the situation and agreed to strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation to secure safe and free navigation after the conflict ends.

The meeting served as an opportunity to reaffirm international solidarity aimed at restoring stability in the Middle East and ensuring maritime security in the strait, Jeon said. Though no specific action items were agreed upon, Korea's participation was intended to signal its readiness to join whatever course of action the international community decides to pursue, according to the presidential office.

“The government will continue to take part in international efforts to uphold the principle of free navigation and stabilize global supply chains,” she said.

Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University, said Lee's participation in the summit alongside world leaders carries significance beyond the immediate crisis.

"This is the moment to start thinking about a collective security framework that transcends regional boundaries, bringing together countries like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, France and the United Kingdom," Shin said. "President Lee's engagement at this level is important and it deserves close attention."