Bahrain’s King: Any threat to freedom of navigation is disruption to world trade

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa said on Sunday that any threat to freedom of navigation is considered a disruption to world trade and oil prices.

King Hamad said that the international community must join forces to take resolute steps to deter the aggressor.

Bahrain’s King’s comments came during his opening speech of the second session of the fifth legislative term of the shura and representatives councils in the Bahraini capital, Manama on Sunday.

He said “On this occasion, we reaffirm that prosperity and human security can be achieved only by continued economic growth, whether in our region or in the world at large. One fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply is launched from the waters of the Arabian Gulf, and any threat to the freedom of navigation is therefore considered a disruption to world trade, a disturbance to oil prices, and a challenge to the global order.”

“Accordingly, the international community must come together to take firm steps to deter the aggressor, and oblige it to respect international maritime safety laws and treaties, in order to maintain international peace and security,” King Hamad said according to his statement which was carried by Bahrain News Agency.