President Lee Jae Myung on April 17 at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul takes part in a multilateral videoconference led by France and the U.K. on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

President Lee Jae Myung on April 17 pledged to "substantially contribute to guaranteeing the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz" in an international videoconference aimed at reopening the strategic waterway.

Presidential spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo in a written briefing quoted President Lee as saying this in the digital meeting on the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. The leaders of approximately 50 countries attended led by French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"The Republic of Korea is a key stakeholder that imports about 70% of its crude oil from the Strait of Hormuz," President Lee said. "We will make a practical contribution toward guaranteeing free navigation within the strait."

He also urged the international community to jointly seek a mechanism of management to ensure stability in the strait and quickly resolve the stalemate over its reopening.

The attending leaders shared their assessments of the situation and agreed to boost diplomatic and military cooperation to raise trust while ensuring freedom of navigation and safety within the strait after the conflict ends.

dusrud21@korea.kr