South Korea will join seven countries, including European nations and Japan, in their joint statement condemning Iran's attacks in the Gulf and de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign ministry said Friday. The joint statement, issued by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Canada, calls on Iran to cease its attacks and attempts to block the strategic waterway and comply with the principle of freedom of navigation. "The decision reflects our fundamental position on the safety of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation, and consideration of international trends and the direct impact that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have on our energy supply and the economy," the ministry said in a message to media. "Participation in the joint leaders' statement underscores South Korea's commitment to contributing to international efforts to ensure safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the ministry said. Seoul will work closely with the international community to help ensure a swift normalization of global maritime logistics networks,