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Korea considers joining Britain, France in Hormuz navigation talks

Published: 16 Apr. 2026, 18:54 Updated: 16 Apr. 2026, 19:39

This photo shows the second batch of 230-ton Patrol Killer Medium Rockets ships docked at a port in the southeastern city of Busan on Dec. 7, 2025. [REPUBLIC OF KOREA NAVY]

Korea has been positively considering joining talks led by Britain and France over freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Blue House announced Thursday.

The virtual gathering, to be hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer late Friday, aims to ensure free and safe passage through the crucial waterway.

President Lee Jae Myung "is positively considering attending [the meeting]," a senior official told reporters. "As the freedom and security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz serve the interests of all parties and are vital to our national interests, we are continuing efforts to work in solidarity with countries that share similar positions."

Lee is preparing a message addressing energy supply chains, Seoul's stance on the Middle East situation, and the importance of international solidarity to ensure free passage through the crucial shipping route, the official said.

The leader-level meeting follows earlier consultations, including a France-led video conference of top military officials on March 26 and a Britain-led ministerial meeting on April 2, both of which Korea attended.

The United States is not expected to attend the meeting, while China's participation has yet to be confirmed, the official said.

Yonhap