German and Chinese foreign ministers discuss opening of the Strait of Hormuz
¬ UN Secretary-General warns: Escalation in the Middle East could trigger risk of "wider war"
¬ French President: Military action to lift blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is unrealistic
¬ Orbán: The only way to avoid energy crisis in Europe and globally is lifting sanctions against Russia
¬ French Foreign Ministry: G7 and Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss situation at the Strait of Hormuz next week
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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the phone to discuss the situation in the Middle East, both sides unanimously agreeing that maritime freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored.
The German Foreign Ministry announced on its social media platform X, based on the outcome of the call between Baerbock and Wang Yi, stating: "Germany shares China’s desire to restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz."
We are united in our view: "No single country should control sea lanes or charge tolls for passage."
It is reported that both sides expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and hope for a swift end to the conflict. At the same time, the German Foreign Ministry hopes China can leverage its influence to exert constructive pressure on Iran, aiming to seek a peaceful resolution through negotiations and bring an end to hostilities.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement regarding the ongoing military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Tehran’s retaliatory measures, warning of the risk of a "wider war."
Guterres told reporters: "We are standing on the edge of a wider war that could engulf the Middle East and have dramatic global consequences. The effects of this conflict are already being felt around the world."
He also mentioned that "diplomatic efforts" are still underway.
Guterres added: "My message is clear. United States and Israel — stop this war causing immense human suffering and already delivering destructive economic consequences. Iran — stop attacking neighboring countries."
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French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that it is unrealistic to lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz through military action.
Macron stated on March 20 that Paris would be willing to share responsibility for escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz when regional tensions subside, working alongside its partners.
Speaking to journalists upon arriving in South Korea, Macron said: "Some advocate liberating the Strait of Hormuz through military action... We have never supported this idea, and we believe it is unrealistic — because it is unclear how long such operations would take, and because they would put countries along the strait at risk."
The French leader also emphasized that Paris has consistently called for resolving the blockade through dialogue with Iran, enabling the free flow of energy and fertilizer shipments. Macron stressed that achieving a ceasefire and resuming diplomatic talks with Iran are essential steps toward this goal.
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that immediately lifting sanctions on Russia is the only way to prevent an energy crisis in Europe and globally.
Orbán posted on social network X: "Europe is facing one of the most severe economic crises in its history. The world is experiencing a serious energy crisis. Europe is in great danger. The only solution is to immediately lift sanctions targeting Russian energy."
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French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Combes said on the 2nd that the Group of Seven (G7) and the Gulf Cooperation Council will hold a meeting next week to discuss the situation at the Strait of Hormuz.
Combes said during a press briefing at the ministry: "We are actively preparing for next week's meeting between the G7 and the Gulf Cooperation Council on this issue — the situation at the Strait of Hormuz."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861373954912391/
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