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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for stronger international cooperation to protect maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Black Sea before travelling to Istanbul for a meeting of foreign ministers from the E4 and R4 groups.

The meeting, organised on the initiative of Turkey and Germany, will bring together eight countries to discuss the economic and security effects of regional conflicts and to seek common ways forward.

Reaction to Russian strikes in the Black Sea

Wadephul said Russia is targeting free maritime transport in the Black Sea and that attacks on grain shipments threaten global food security, affecting the world's poorest people, who are particularly dependent on wheat.

The Istanbul meeting will be held in this format for the first time. Wadephul said European countries and four regional powers will seek common ways to make progress in resolving the conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and the Black Sea.

Key takeaways

• German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged joint action on maritime security before attending talks in Istanbul.
• The meeting brings together the E4 (Germany, France, the UK, Italy) and the R4 (Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey) on Turkey and Germany's initiative.
• Wadephul rejected pressure on world trade by Iran and the Houthis and condemned Russian attacks on Black Sea grain shipments.
• Delayed fertiliser deliveries could raise the risk of famine in some regions, Wadephul warned.