German foreign minister says shipping disruptions could lead to famine

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday called for joint action to protect international shipping routes ahead of talks with counterparts from seven countries in Istanbul.

"We all feel the impact of attacks on shipping routes, whether at the petrol station or in the supermarket," Wadephul said before his departure.

He warned that delays in fertilizer deliveries could also lead to famine in some parts of the world.

Wadephul is due to meet foreign ministers from Turkey, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He said the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, attacks by Yemen's Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia and shipping, and escalating Russian attacks on grain shipments in the Black Sea could only be addressed through closer international cooperation.

"We will not accept Iran and the Houthi militias holding global trade hostage and continuing to strangle the world's energy and fertilizer supplies," he said. "The indiscriminate attacks on shipping and neighbouring countries must end."

Wadephul also accused Russia of knowingly risking food shortages in the Global South through attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea, particularly affecting poorer countries dependent on wheat.

The meeting aims to make progress towards resolving the conflicts, he said.

According to Turkish officials, discussions will also cover the situation in Gaza, the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians.