Oman, Japan Call for Political Solution and De-escalation of Regional Tensions
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Oman and Japan have stressed the importance of reaching a final agreement and pursuing a political solution aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said during a joint press conference in Muscat.
The two ministers also underscored the need to intensify international efforts to safeguard freedom of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of maritime traffic and energy supplies.
Sayyid Badr highlighted the importance of economic relations as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between Oman and Japan, welcoming the increasing participation of Japanese companies in Oman, particularly in energy, renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, logistics and infrastructure.
He said Oman looked forward to a positive outcome from discussions on a Free Trade Agreement between Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), noting that the conclusion of such an agreement would help expand bilateral trade and investment, strengthen supply chain security and generate mutual benefits for both countries.
The Omani foreign minister reaffirmed Muscat’s commitment to maritime security and international law, stressing that Oman rejects further escalation and conflict.
He said sustainable security in the Strait of Hormuz could only be achieved through lasting peace in the region, restraint, diplomacy and continued engagement to address the underlying causes of instability, including policies of exclusion and non-compliance with international law.
Sayyid Badr further affirmed Oman’s determination to continue working with Japan and other international partners in support of dialogue, justice and peaceful solutions, describing partnerships based on trust, realism and diplomacy as increasingly important amid the uncertainty facing the region and the wider world.
For his part, Motegi said Japan and Oman were working to strengthen cooperation across a broad range of areas. He expressed Japan’s appreciation for Oman’s stable and long-term supplies of crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
The Japanese foreign minister also reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Oman in clean energy, including the development of hydrogen and ammonia.
Motegi said Japan was preparing a comprehensive cooperation plan aimed at strengthening economic resilience and energy security in response to the current situation in the Middle East.
Referring to the situation concerning Iran, he said Japan hoped to engage in candid discussions aimed at achieving de-escalation as soon as possible and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb.
