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On 23 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, attended the Foreign Ministerial Meeting on “Reinforcing Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Budrys stressed at the event that maritime security, environmental protection and reliable global supply chains are a common interest of the international community; therefore, states must consistently defend international law and the rules-based international order.

“We must ensure that the maritime domain remains safe, resilient, predictable, and firmly grounded in international law. Only by respecting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principles of the UN Charter can we protect freedom of navigation, vital sea lanes, and critical undersea infrastructure,” said the Minister.

The discussion focused in particular on the threats posed by Russia’s shadow fleet. Budrys emphasized that combating opaque shipping practices and those that circumvent sanctions requires closer international cooperation.

“Combating the shadow fleet is in the common interest of the international community. States whose flags are flown by these vessels must assume responsibility and ensure effective control of their registries. We call for the systematic deregistration of ships belonging to the shadow fleet, thereby safeguarding the credibility of ship registries, the primacy of international law, and maritime safety,” noted the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

The Minister also emphasized the need to strengthen support for partner countries so that they can more effectively oversee ship registries and prevent unfair shipping practices.

Speaking about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Budrys condemned attacks on freedom of navigation and emphasized that free and safe navigation remains one of the most important principles of international law.

“We support international initiatives aimed at restoring safe maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Lithuania remains ready to contribute to international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in this strategically important region,” said the Minister.