Germany praises Pakistan’s mediation efforts over Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb

NEW YORK: Germany has acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing regional tensions, with particular attention to the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb waterways.

The recognition came as international diplomatic activity intensified on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where countries have been discussing ways to reduce regional tensions and protect vital maritime routes.

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has highlighted the importance of safe and uninterrupted navigation through both waterways. In a statement issued after a meeting of foreign ministers and senior representatives from European and Indo-Pacific countries, Germany and its partners said disruption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or Bab el-Mandeb poses risks to regional stability, global energy security and maritime trade.

Pakistan has separately been urging diplomatic solutions to the security challenges surrounding the two strategic passages. Islamabad has described the situation around Bab el-Mandeb as particularly serious and called for de-escalation, the protection of vessels and crews, and the restoration of normal maritime passage through Hormuz.

Pakistan’s Mediation Role

The German recognition comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic contacts related to the conflict between the United States and Iran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said this week that Pakistan remains focused on mediation and has not abandoned efforts to reduce tensions. He described Islamabad’s role as that of a sincere mediator between Washington and neighbouring Iran, while stressing that the process involves continued engagement and contributions from several friendly countries.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has previously explained that Islamabad’s role involves both facilitation during acute crises and longer-term mediation when issues require sustained negotiations. Officials have pointed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and subsequent technical discussions as part of that diplomatic process.

Strategic Maritime Routes

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international shipping.

Recent disruptions have reduced maritime traffic through both waterways. Reuters reported that vessel movements through Hormuz have fallen sharply amid continuing regional tensions, while traffic through Bab el-Mandeb has also declined.

The security of the two routes has therefore become a wider international concern, particularly because disruption can affect energy supplies, shipping costs and global trade.

For Pakistan, the German acknowledgement comes as Islamabad continues to engage regional and international partners on maritime security and conflict de-escalation.

The diplomatic push also reflects a broader international effort to keep communication channels open and seek negotiated solutions to the conflicts affecting the Middle East and its critical trade routes.