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Korean president calls for ‘mechanism’ to keep Strait of Hormuz open in summit led by Britain, France

Published: 18 Apr. 2026, 00:06 Updated: 18 Apr. 2026, 11:40

SARAH KIM
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President Lee Jae Myung takes part in an international summit led by France and Britain to discuss the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 17. The summit was attended by some 50 countries. [BLUE HOUSE]

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday called on the international community to work toward mechanisms to ensure stability in the Strait of Hormuz during a multilateral summit led by Britain and France on Middle East tensions.

Attending the summit through video conference, Lee emphasized that Korea is a "key stakeholder that imports approximately 70 percent of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz," presidential spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo said in a statement.

He then expressed his strong determination to make a "substantial contribution to guaranteeing freedom of navigation within the strait."

The summit, co-chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together leaders of 49 countries, as well as international organizations, to discuss ways to ensure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint effectively shut down amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Other attendees included Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden, New Zealand, Iraq and Singapore.

Lee was the first among the leaders attending the meeting via video conference to speak, aside from the countries attending the summit in person. The Group of 7 leaders, including France, Britain, Germany and Italy, participated in the 90-minute meeting in person in Paris.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during an international summit led by France and Britain to discuss the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 17. Lee took part in the summit via videoconference, joining some 50 countries. [BLUE HOUSE]

During his speech, Lee expressed concern over how global energy, finance, industry and food security were being shaken by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "a public asset and a key axis supporting global supply chains."

Lee then "proposed that the international community work together to resolve the stalemate promptly and explore management mechanisms to ensure the stability of the strait," Jeon said.

During the summit, Lee exchanged views with the participants on international efforts for the freedom of navigation in the strait, the safety of sailors and the protection of vessels and practical measures to ensure navigational safety after the end of the Iran war.

Lee pointed out that in the current environment, it is difficult to adequately ensure the safety and health of sailors, including Korean nationals, who are stranded in the strait, Jeon added.

The participating countries "agreed to promote diplomatic and military cooperation to ensure freedom of navigation and safety within the strait and to enhance trust after the war," Jeon said.

From left, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz deliver a joint statement following an international summit on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at the Elysee Palace in Paris on April 17. Korean President Lee Jae Myung took part in the summit through videoconference. [AFP/YONHAP]

Earlier Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump thanked Iran for opening the Strait of Hormuz but said the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain until the two sides agree to a deal.

"The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "But the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100 percent complete."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" during a 10-day cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon.

Later Friday, Lee shared on X that he had attended the virtual summit on the Strait of Hormuz.

"As a responsible global power, we will fulfill our responsible role in guaranteeing freedom of navigation within the strait based on international law," Lee wrote. "Furthermore, we plan to actively seek ways to enhance diplomatic and military cooperation in preparation for future changes in the situation."

He also pledged to "proactively participate in the international community's efforts to contribute to the principles of free international passage and the stability of global supply chains" and to "do our utmost to ensure that the daily lives of our citizens remain undisturbed."

BY SARAH KIM [[email protected]]