News - USA, New York, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN

Ambassador Gergana Karadjova delivered a national statement during the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on “The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain” under the agenda item “Maintenance of International Peace and Security.”

We share highlights from the statement of the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the United Nations:

• Bulgaria highly appreciates the initiative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to convene this important and timely UN Security Council Open Debate. We take this opportunity to once again express our solidarity with our partners in the region, who continue to face direct negative consequences of the military escalation in the Middle East.

• The situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to evolve into a serious global economic and trade crisis. Maritime traffic is nearly paralyzed, leading to significant economic consequences, including an expected decline in global trade, risks to food security, rising inflation due to surging oil prices, and a slowdown in global economic growth. These effects are already being felt by people around the world, especially the most vulnerable.

• Bulgaria supports Bahrain’s efforts to advance the implementation adoption of a United Nations Security Council resolution 2817 co-sponsored by 135 Member States, including Bulgaria

• Bulgaria believes respect for international law is a non-negotiable prerequisite for lasting peace and calls for strict compliance with UNCLOS as the legal framework for all ocean activities. We demand an immediate end to illegal restrictions and full restoration of freedom of navigation⁠.

• As a Black Sea littoral State, Bulgaria prioritizes the swift and effective implementation of the EU’s Strategic Approach to the Black Sea. Our active role will be a key enabler to strengthening maritime and environmental security, as well as ensuring freedom of navigation in a waterway of strategic importance for broader Europe-Asia connectivity.