Kathmandu. French Defence Minister Catherine Voitkha has said European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and France have the capability to remove landmines in the Strait of Hormuz. “Europe can help ensure a safe passage to the Strait,” she said. ’
According to Voitkha, Europe has the ability to escort and protect ships in a completely defensive and non-offensive manner to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. “This will be discussed in Paris today,” she said.
France and the United Kingdom are hosting a meeting of about 40 countries today. The purpose of the meeting is to demonstrate its readiness to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in Hormuz.
In response to attacks by the US and Israel, Iran has effectively closed this important waterway. In response, the US has imposed sanctions on Iranian ports. This has pushed up global energy prices.
Before the start of the Iran war, about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply came from Hormuz. –Agency
