Panama declared maritime security a global public good during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos A. Hoyos delivered the statement in New York. He condemned recent attacks against vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The high-level debate carried the title “Strengthening maritime security through international cooperation for global stability.” Bahrain presided over the session. Hoyos warned that the international maritime environment is deteriorating rapidly. He cited piracy, armed robbery at sea, cyberattacks on navigation systems, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and human trafficking as key threats. These dangers, he said, put both maritime activity and the lives of seafarers at risk.
International Law Must Protect Critical Shipping Routes
Hoyos delivered a stark warning about the use of strategic waterways as leverage. “The use of critical maritime routes as an instrument of pressure or coercion is unacceptable,” he said. [Translated from Spanish] He called for reduced tensions, an end to hostilities, and full respect for international law. The vice minister specifically referenced the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the governing framework.
“The disruption of strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has immediate effects on international trade and energy security,” Hoyos stated. [Translated from Spanish] “This especially hurts the most vulnerable economies.”
Panama’s representative expressed deep concern over rising inspections and detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels in certain jurisdictions. He said this creates uncertainty and weakens trust in global supply chains. The country administers the Panama Canal, a vital artery for world commerce.
Hoyos highlighted Panama’s strategic role in global trade. He confirmed the nation has redoubled efforts to guarantee safe, continuous, and efficient vessel transit. Panama also reaffirmed its support for the International Maritime Organization. He praised the work of its Director General, Panamanian Arsenio Domínguez, in promoting maritime security and sustainable shipping.
Panamanian Ships Targeted in Recent Attacks
The vice minister detailed specific attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Some carried the Panamanian flag. Since March 2026, multiple ships have suffered incidents. The vessel Euphoria was attacked by unidentified boats but reported no injuries. The MSC Francesca was intercepted by Iranian forces and forced to anchor near Iran’s coast.
Hoyos confirmed the crew of the MSC Francesca is safe but remains detained. Panama is monitoring the situation closely. The government is coordinating diplomatic actions to secure the vessels’ release.
“We urge Iranian authorities to immediately release the detained ships,” Hoyos said. [Translated from Spanish] The vice minister made clear that such actions cannot become normalized in international waters.
Panama’s position aligns with broader concerns about maritime security in the region. The International Maritime Organization has previously opposed unilateral tolls or restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Panama’s Coordina Acciones Diplom effort seeks to resolve these incidents through established legal channels.