Support of 60 countries for freedom of navigation in international straits

60 countries supported a joint statement on Monday, emphasizing the maintenance of freedom of navigation in the straits used for international shipping and declaring their opposition to the imposition of tolls and the imposition of discriminatory restrictions on these sea crossings.

According to Ambassador Arjan, quoted by Reuters, 60 countries supported a statement today, Monday, in which efforts to preserve freedom of navigation and opposition to the imposition of tolls for crossing the straits used for international shipping are emphasized.

"We support ongoing multilateral initiatives that are defensive and non-aggressive in nature and are aimed at preserving freedom of navigation," the statement said.

This statement has the support of countries including the European Union, Australia, Japan and England.

Another part of the statement emphasized: "We are opposed to any action, including the imposition of illegal tolls, the collection of passage fees, the imposition of discriminatory restrictions, the requirement to obtain prior authorization or any other condition that impedes or undermines legal navigation through straits used for international shipping."