Statement by H.E. Ms. Audra Plepytė, Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania at the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate "The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain"
Statement by H.E. Ms. Audra Plepytė, Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania at the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate "The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain" on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
At the outset I would like to thank Bahrein Presidency for this timely debate.
Lithuania aligns with the EU statement, and I would like to make a statement in my national capacity.
Maritime security is inseparable from international peace and security, resilient supply chains, and the rules-based international order.
Today, all three are under increasing strain.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that insecurity at sea can produce consequences far beyond the immediate region. Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea, attacks against Ukrainian ports, and deliberate weaponization of food exports contributed to a global grain crisis that affected the most vulnerable countries most severely.
These were not incidental consequences of war. They were deliberate actions that violated international law and undermined global stability.
We are now witnessing another serious disruption by Russia’s ally Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
Any interference with freedom of navigation through this waterway is unacceptable.
The international community must act with urgency to safeguard safe, orderly, and predictable maritime transit.
The freedom of navigation, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be respected by all states. At the same time, this principle cannot be invoked to conceal conduct that threatens maritime safety or undermines international law.
In this regard, Lithuania reiterates the importance the recently adopted IMO Council resolution condemning attacks on international shipping and the disruption of critical maritime routes.
We welcome the initiative of the Secretary-General to establish a task force aimed at ensuring safe, orderly, and predictable maritime transit. We also commend the France and the United Kingdom in advancing efforts to build broad maritime coalition in line with the UN Charter.
Lithuania stands ready to contribute to these collective efforts, including by providing demining capabilities.
Mr. President,
We are concerned that shadow fleet is still used by certain countries, including the member of Security Council. To circumvent sanction regimes, they operate under the false flags and violate the international maritime law. These vessels pose a significant threat to environment and critical infrastructure.
At the same time, this infrastructure, including undersea cables, is beining increasingly targeted by hybrid attacks, including sabotage, cyber, and deliberate signal interference.
Lithuania calls to address these threats by enhanced information-sharing, stronger coordination, and sustained international cooperation.
Mr. President,
The safety of the maritime domain is a shared responsibility.
We must ensure that the seas remain open, secure, and governed by international law.
Lithuania remains committed to working with partners to uphold these principles.
I thank you.
