The Sultanate of Oman follows a foreign policy that is based on a vision of peace and maintaining friendship with all. It is a policy of non-interference and diplomatic balancing. And it embraces dialogue and tolerance as guiding principles in addressing all issues.
Immediately after ascending the throne on January 11, 2020, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik announced that the Sultanate of Oman would continue to remain as a facilitator of peace — a stand maintained by his predecessor late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and policies that align with Oman Vision 2040.
“We will follow the same line as the late Sultan, and the principles that he asserted for the foreign policy of our country, of peaceful coexistence among nations and people, and good neighbourly behaviour of non-interference in the affairs of others,” he said in his first public remarks.
The wisely weaved foreign policy since the beginning of 1970 has helped the country make new friends and receive world acclaim and respect. The Sultanate of Oman has never severed diplomatic relations with any government in the world.On the contrary, it has enabled the Sultanate of Oman to actively facilitate negotiations in the Middle East and it plays an active part in a regional community of nations living in harmony, in relationships which assure security and stability while fostering the economic growth and cultural development essential to all our futures.
The Sultanate of Oman’s foreign policy advocates good neighbourliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, respect for international laws and charters, support for cooperation among countries and the enhancement of opportunities for internal dialogue.
Emphasis is laid on the need to resolve differences in a spirit of harmony and tolerance that has always been the mainstay of the country’s civilisation. And this leads to better and more lasting results than could be achieved by conflict and strife.
As stated by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy before the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September last, “We, in the Sultanate of Oman, are part of this interconnected world with which we share common interests and destiny. We are pleased with what pleases the world and regret what is harmful to it. Therefore, we strive with all our energies and capabilities to contribute to the advancement of peace at all regional and international levels.”
The Sultanate of Oman strictly adheres to the values and principles and upholds a balanced and constructive approach in dealing with all issues.
Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham, the Sultanate of Oman has always reiterated its well-founded political stands, which proved to be constant through sustained, positive diplomatic efforts towards issues of the region. The diplomatic efforts of the Sultanate of Oman are supported by an exchange of high-level visits between the Sultanate of Oman and other GCC states. Testimony to this is the tangible progress made between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in political, economic, social, cultural and security spheres.
The Sultanate of Oman supported and welcomed positive developments that resulted from Al Ula summit held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As for the Yemeni crisis, the Sultanate of Oman goes ahead with its persistent efforts to work with Saudi Arabia, the United Nations envoy and all other parties concerned, with the aim of ending the conflict by reaching a permanent ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian efforts to provide the needs of the brethren in Yemen, especially medicine, healthcare, food, fuel and housing. The Sultanate of Oman supports the fair cause of Palestinian people and their legitimate demands for independence from Israel, and their right to establish their own independent state in accordance with the international law, relevant Security Council Resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The Sultanate of Oman was the only state to maintain diplomatic relations with Syria after 2011 and has tried to contribute to peace negotiations in Syria. The Sultanate of Oman condemns all forms of terrorism and supports all efforts and strategies aimed at its eradication as it clashes with civilised ethics, human values and threatens global security and stability. The Sultanate of Oman also calls for eliminating threats to international maritime trade. It urges full adherence to treaties, agreements and the international law to ensure freedom of navigation in a manner that secures the flow of trade between countries and enhances opportunities for economic growth. In order to strengthen global partnerships to achieve sustainable development, the Sultanate of Oman has always sought to cooperate with regional, Arab and international organisations and bodies.
On the regional level, the Sultanate of Oman cooperates with the Gulf Cooperation Council in exchanging experiences and knowledge and capacity building. The Sultanate of Oman is always keen to fulfil all its international and regional obligations towards different organisations. It recognises its international responsibility in different causes that aim to serve humankind in several fields. It also plays an important role in the convergence of views among neighbouring and friend countries. It has always sought to assist belligerent states in conflict resolution. This important role has been welcomed internationally. Proud of its history, culture, language and heritage, and recognising its responsibility as a member in the international community, the Sultanate of Oman seeks to find a mutual understanding between cultures, which, in turn, disseminates the culture of peace and cooperation among states.
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