The statement calls for a diplomatic solution. About 15 countries have so far voiced their support for the statement.
Finland has joined a number of other countries in endorsing a statement supporting freedom of navigation in the currently shut-down Strait of Hormuz which was drafted by France and the UK.
The Finnish president’s office published its endorsement of the statement, which among other things urged for a diplomatic solution and ther reopening of the strait.
“We expressed our strong support for a comprehensive diplomatic settlement to the conflict through negotiations. Diplomacy must prevail,” the statement read.
“The UK, France, and all our partners, will draw on our collective diplomatic, economic and military capabilities to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” it continued.
The war began after the US and Israel attacked Iran at the end of February, a move that effectively resulted in Iran shutting down the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels. Under normal circumstances, the passage sees the shipment of about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquid natural gas.
As of Sunday, around 15 countries had expressed their support for the statement. Apart from Finland, they included: Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Somalia, and Sweden, according to the president’s office.
France and the UK called a virtual summit on Friday, inviting the leaders of more than 50 countries about the matter. President Alexander Stubb represented Finland at the video conference meeting.
Iran briefly opened the strait over the weekend, but shut it down again due to US naval ships blockading Iranian ports.
