By ABC and RNZ

This handout photo released by NASA and taken on April 8, 2021 by the Expedition 64 crew from the International Space Station shows a view of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf separating Iran (top) from the United Arab Emirates and Oman (bottom). (Photo by NASA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT

35 countries will be taking part in a meeting to discuss the Strait of Hormuz.
Photo: AFP PHOTO /NASA/HANDOUT

New Zealand will be joining a meeting with 34 other countries to discuss next steps to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting will be led by the United Kingdom, with the United States to be absent from discussions, according to the ABC.

In a statement, Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed New Zealand would be attending the meeting.

“New Zealand’s participation in this initiative is in line with our long-standing commitment to freedom of navigation and the free movement of vital commodities,” Peters said.

“This will assess all viable diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Given the time of the meeting in NZ (midnight Thursday) and Peters travel schedule, the High Commissioner in London Hamish Cooper will attend on the Minister’s behalf.

The UK released a joint statement with a handful of other countries a fortnight ago, expressing a willingness to work together to reopen the Strait and ensure oil could be safely shipped through it.

– ABC/RNZ