Oman Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Resolution of Disputes at UN General Assembly

New York, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful and consensual means, emphasizing dialogue, respect for international law and the sovereignty of states as essential foundations for global security, stability and prosperity.

Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said dialogue remains the most effective means of overcoming differences, building trust and understanding, and resolving conflicts and crises.

He said Oman would continue pursuing peaceful and consensual solutions to disputes based on principles that support shared objectives of ensuring security and stability for all and advancing economic development and prosperity.

The minister stressed the importance of refraining from the use of force and interference in the internal affairs of states, while adhering to the UN Charter and international law and respecting the sovereignty and independence of countries. He said such an approach provides a sound framework for international relations and promotes trust and constructive cooperation among nations.

Addressing developments in the region, Al Busaidi said the region had witnessed a war at the beginning of the year that could have been avoided. He noted that subsequent escalation had threatened regional security and disrupted navigation and trade through the Strait of Hormuz, with implications for energy security, price stability and confidence in the international order.

He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to efforts aimed at safeguarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He also called on all parties to cooperate with Oman in ensuring that the interests of all users of the strait’s transit routes are respected.

Al Busaidi further expressed Oman’s solidarity with neighboring countries, including member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in measures taken to maintain their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the same time, he called on all concerned parties to resolve outstanding disputes through restraint, dialogue and a forward-looking approach, with the objective of achieving consensual political solutions and sustainable understandings.

On Yemen, the Omani foreign minister reiterated his country’s support for a political settlement to the crisis that preserves Yemen’s unity, stability and territorial integrity and responds to the aspirations of the Yemeni people. He said such a settlement should help place Yemen on a path toward reconstruction, development and prosperity.

He urged all parties to cooperate in reaching a just resolution that safeguards the rights, dignity, independence and territorial integrity of the Yemeni people and supports secure relations between Yemen and neighboring countries.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, Al Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s firm rejection of ongoing Israeli attacks affecting several Arab states and condemned what he described as violations against the Palestinian people. He reiterated support for Palestinians’ legitimate rights and their pursuit of an independent state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, in accordance with the two-state solution and relevant UN resolutions.

The minister also highlighted Oman’s efforts to counter hate speech, genocide and incitement through the Muscat Plan, an initiative inaugurated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres with broad international participation at UN Headquarters in New York on June 11.

He announced that Muscat is scheduled to host an event in November marking the International Day for Tolerance, as part of efforts to promote further international initiatives and partnerships in cooperation with the United Nations and the wider international community.

Turning to sustainable development, Al Busaidi said Oman attaches great importance to the Sustainable Development Goals and regards development as an inherent right of all people. He said the government is continuing to implement development programmes under Oman Vision 2040, while promoting women’s participation in development and decision-making.

He noted that the allocation of 11 permanent and elected seats for women in the Omani Shura Council reflects the country’s approach to strengthening women’s contribution to the development process.

In the environmental sector, Oman is pursuing its national strategy for transitioning toward a low-carbon economy through projects and initiatives covering renewable energy, transportation, industry and sustainable cities, with the objective of supporting national efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Concluding his address, Al Busaidi expressed appreciation to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his efforts to uphold the principles of truth and justice in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

He reaffirmed Oman’s continued support for and cooperation with the United Nations in pursuit of its objectives and purposes, with the aim of contributing to a more secure, stable and prosperous world.