European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs Policy Kaja Kallas said she had discussed with the United Nations the idea of freeing the transportation of oil and gas through the Hormuz Strait by simulating a grain transportation agreement out of Ukraine during the conflict.
When attending a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on March 16, Ms. Kallas said she had exchanged views with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the idea of clearing the Hoarmuz Strait congestion.
I have talked to Mr. Antonio Guterres about whether there can be an initiative similar to what we have with the Black Sea Initiative or not," Kallas said.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Israel conflict with Iran. The conflict has now entered its 3rd week.
Iranian forces attacked ships in the strait between Iran and Oman, causing 1/5 of global oil supplies to record the largest disruption ever.
Ms. Kallas emphasized that closing the Strait of Hormuz is "really dangerous" for energy supplies to Asia, and also has a major impact on fertilizer production.
And if there is a shortage of fertilizer this year, there will also be a food shortage next year" - Ms. Kallas warned, without providing any further details.
Ms. Kallas said that the ministers also discussed whether it is possible to change the mission of Aspides - the EU's small naval mission in the Middle East currently focused on protecting ships in the Red Sea from Yemeni Houthi forces.
Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is in our interest and that is why we are also discussing what Europe can do on this issue," she said.
When asked about the skepticism that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed regarding the effectiveness of the deployment of Aspides in the Strait of Hormuz, Ms. Kallas said: "Of course we also need the consensus of member states.
If member states say that we are not doing anything about this, then it is their decision, but we must discuss how to keep the Strait of Hormuz open" - EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas said.
