Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the risks to international trade, especially oil markets, should the Houthis close the Bab al Mandeb Strait, while also addressing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing US-Iran hostilities. He called for a swift ceasefire and a return to normal navigation, and discussed Russia's allied relations with Azerbaijan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that the potential closure of the Bab al Mandeb Strait by the Houthis would cause significant disruptions to global trade, particularly the oil market, during a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Moscow on Friday.
Lavrov expressed that Russia has been advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the conditions where the Strait of Hormuz functioned freely without any impediments. He noted that despite a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran brokered by Pakistan, both sides continue to accuse each other of violations, leaving security risks unresolved in the region.
Lavrov also underscored the economic dangers, calling the Strait of Hormuz a key artery, and pointed out that the Houthis have threatened to close the Bab al Mandeb Strait if military action against Iran persists, which would exacerbate troubles for global oil trade. Regarding Russia's diplomatic stance, Lavrov stated that Moscow had high hopes for the US-Iran memorandum but observed that predictions of smooth implementation have not materialized.
He criticized the resumption of free navigation calls by American colleagues, saying these conditions existed prior to US and Israeli aggression. Lavrov stressed that Russia's contacts with all parties involved aim to restore stability and secure the straits, acknowledging the current reality while pushing for de-escalation. He also highlighted that the risks are not limited to security but extend to economic domains due to the strategic importance of these waterways for energy shipments.
In parallel, Lavrov and Bayramov discussed the robust bilateral ties between Russia and Azerbaijan, describing them as characterized by allied interaction based on a declaration signed by their presidents in February 2022. Both ministers noted useful, substantive, and trusting talks, with an agreement to enhance direct media contacts to address misunderstandings and ensure objective coverage. Bayramov affirmed the presence of very strong and close ties between their peoples, which form the foundation of interstate relations.
Despite recent difficulties, both expressed satisfaction at normalizing the full spectrum of Russian-Azerbaijani relations, and noted positive developments in trade and economic cooperation despite global challenges. They emphasized paying more attention to media coverage of their multifaceted cooperation through foreign ministry channels and other means
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