Cyprus has urged that all vessels be guaranteed free transit through the Strait of Hormuz under international law, as the United Nations General Assembly convened an emergency session after Russia and China jointly vetoed a resolution at the Security Council.

Cyprus Aligns with EU Position

Addressing the emergency session, Cyprus Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Gavriella Michaelidou confirmed that Cyprus was aligned with the European Union's stance on the matter and expressed solidarity with Gulf partners and Jordan. She reaffirmed Cyprus's full support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

"All civilians and non-military infrastructure must be protected at all times, with full respect for international humanitarian law," Michaelidou said.

Hormuz as a Global Strategic Artery

The Cypriot delegation underscored that ships must be entitled to transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz in line with international law as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Michaelidou stressed that the safety of vessels, crews, and seafarers was fundamental to keeping commercial shipping lanes open and operational.

Cyprus characterised the strait as "a critical global artery for energy flows, trade, food security and maritime connectivity," adding that "ensuring predictability at sea is therefore a shared responsibility."

The delegation welcomed a UN initiative to establish a special working group, describing it as a practical mechanism designed to verify and support the uninterrupted movement of essential goods and humanitarian supplies through the waterway.

Cyprus's Role as a Shipping Nation and EU Presidency Holder

Cyprus highlighted its dual standing as a significant shipping nation — with a substantial registered fleet — and as the current holder of the EU Council Presidency. Michaelidou noted that Cyprus was actively engaged across all relevant international forums, emphasising that regional stability and maritime security constituted strategic imperatives for the island.

Welcoming Ceasefires and Calling for Lasting De-escalation

On the wider regional situation, Cyprus welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire as a pivotal step back toward diplomacy, calling on all parties to seize the moment for substantive dialogue and durable de-escalation across the region, including Lebanon.

The delegation also expressed appreciation for the ten-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, crediting what Michaelidou described as "American leadership" for helping bring it about. She stressed that it was essential for all parties to honour their commitments in full, with complete respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

  • Cyprus reaffirmed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817
  • Transit rights through the Strait of Hormuz cited under UNCLOS
  • US-Iran and Israel-Lebanon ceasefires both welcomed
  • UNIFIL peacekeeping mission described as being of vital importance

Cyprus also reiterated that the UNIFIL peacekeeping force remains critically important to stability in the region, placing particular emphasis on the need to protect the safety of its personnel on the ground.