Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos took part on Friday in a video conference of heads of state and government focused on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, representing President Nikos Christodoulides.

The meeting, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, brought together representatives from 49 countries along with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

According to the foreign ministry, discussions centred on coordinated international responses, with an emphasis on maritime security.

Participants examined “coordinated actions to address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and ensure freedom of navigation”.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling around 20 per cent of global oil transit and serving as the main sea route between the Persian Gulf and international waters.

Recent data from the deputy shipping ministry indicates that 19 Cypriot-flagged vessels remain in the Arabian Gulf region.

“Both the ships and the seafarers working on them are safe,” the ministry said, remarking that most operate there on a permanent basis providing specialised or auxiliary services.

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Friday, deputy permanent representative Gabriella Michaelidou said “ships must enjoy the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law”, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adding that “the safety of ships, crews and seafarers” is “essential for maintaining unimpeded commercial shipping”.

Kombos has previously stated that Cyprus is “in favour of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”.

The foreign ministry said Friday’s conference forms part of ongoing international efforts to maintain stability in the region and safeguard maritime routes, with dialogue among participating countries continuing.