NICOSIA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of the European Union (EU) on Friday called for diplomatic efforts to negotiate a lasting end to the Middle East conflict, urging full and permanent freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen talks before an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, March 19, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Following an informal meeting of EU leaders in Cyprus, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU's shared goal is now to negotiate a lasting end to the war. And this includes restoring the full and permanent freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.