TOKYO: Transport ministers from the Group of Seven major industrialized nations on Tuesday condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants on commercial ships transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, urging an immediate end to such strikes.

In a joint declaration adopted at an online meeting, the ministers expressed concerns over global supply chain disruptions and rising shipping rates, vowing to promote “global coordination of policies and measures that accommodate smooth freight transport flows.”

“Maritime security and navigational rights and freedoms are critical to ensure free movement of essential commodities to destinations and populations all over the world,” the declaration said.

The ministers welcomed the launch of maritime operations by the European Union and the continued efforts of military operations led by the United States and Britain to protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

They also called for the release of a car carrier operated by Japan’s Nippon Yusen K.K. and its crew, which was seized by the Houthis in the Red Sea in November last year.

After a series of attacks on commercial vessels by the Houthis, many shipping companies changed their routes to the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, avoiding passage through the Red Sea.

“Freight rates have not only risen significantly on Asia-Europe routes, but also on other routes, such as Asia-North America,” the declaration said.

JIJI Press