Romania will continue to promote maritime security and unhindered freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea and elsewhere, as a shared responsibility and a priority for the country, President Nicusor Dan said on Wednesday in his address to the UN General Assembly in New York.The Romanian president addressed the proliferation of conflicts around the world, stressing that "it is essential to move forward with the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and to address the humanitarian situation on the ground without delay"."Within the framework of the Board of Peace initiative, Romania has offered its support and has so far contributed to the medical evacuation of numerous patients, particularly children," the president added, reiterating remarks he made at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, which he attended in Washington.Dan stressed that the disarmament of Hamas remains a prerequisite for lasting stability in Gaza."President Trump's peace plan represents the most credible path towards peace and prosperity in the region, and Romania supports its full implementation. At the same time, recent developments in the West Bank are a cause for genuine concern and risk undermining the peace that this plan seeks to promote," the Romanian president warned.Turning to Iran, Dan said Romania's position is clear: Iran "must not possess nuclear weapons"."Iran must comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards and restore full transparency regarding its nuclear programme. Diplomacy must be the first option in pursuing a comprehensive, verifiable and lasting agreement that would pave the way for a more stable Middle East," the Romanian president said.President Dan then turned to maritime security, stressing the importance of protecting freedom of navigation in key international waterways."Romania will continue to promote maritime security and unhindered freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as in the Black Sea and elsewhere. This is a shared responsibility and a priority for my country. Specialised bodies such as the International Maritime Organization can contribute to this effort. The suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative following Russia's unilateral withdrawal in 2023 reminds us that agreements matter only when the parties honour their commitments," President Dan further said. (Photo:https://www.presidency.ro/)