NEW YORK: The Sultanate of Oman took part in the GCC-US Ministerial Meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
The Sultanate of Oman's delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy.
During the meeting, the ministers exchanged views about regional matters, notably the Palestinian issue and the need for an immediate termination of the war in the Gaza Strip. They discussed calls to impose a ceasefire in Lebanon and work for de-escalation and prevent the expansion of conflicts. They laid emphasis on the Two-State Solution and the implementation of the Arab Peace Initiative.
The two sides also elaborated on a number of security, political, and economic cooperation issues, notably regional challenges emanating from current wars and conflicts and the need to address the challenges through dialogue and peaceful solutions.
The Sultanate of Oman also participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Oman’s delegation to this meeting was headed by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy Foreign Minister.
In a speech at the meeting, Sayyid Badr expressed Oman’s appreciation for Brazil’s initiative to make this important initiative open to all members of the United Nations. He commended Brazil’s emphasis on inclusiveness, fair representation and focus on challenges facing the countries of the Global South, including hunger, climate change disasters and shallow financing for development.
Sayyid Badr pointed out that these issues cannot be addressed by a single country, but rather through collective efforts enhanced by international cooperation and solidarity. In this context, he reaffirmed Oman's full support for ongoing efforts made by Brazil, the G20 and the United Nations to reform global institutions. “It is high time these institutions were developed and enabled to keep pace with the complex challenges of our interconnected world,” said Sayyid Badr, noting that cooperation between countries, economies and societies is essential to achieve progress.
Sayyid Badr explained that many of these institutions are no longer adequate to resolve conflicts, prevent climate change or address common global challenges. He pointed out that the Palestinian issue sets a clear example of such failure which he said, paved the way for continuous massacres against civilians, despite consensus in the United Nations General Assembly to achieve justice and respect international law. In particular, the minister decried Security Council’s inability to stop violence and bloodshed.
Sayyid Badr voiced Oman’s regret for the unbalanced nature of global decision-making bodies, noting that this negative nature represents a major obstacle to forge effective solutions. He explained that the structure of some of these institutions is still based on a false idea that the voices of some countries are worth more than voices of other countries. This attitude, he affirmed, leads to mistrust and weakens pluralism.
Meanwhile, Sayyid Badr also expressed Oman's welcome for an initiative to consolidate the role of the UN General Assembly and ensure that global governance becomes more representative, effective, transparent and accountable. He underlined Oman's belief in the power of integration, noting that no country should be left behind and the voices of all countries have to equally be heard and respected.
“A podium that will enable us all to face common challenges more effectively lies in cooperation among institutions, countries and peoples,” said Sayyid Badr, noting that such cooperation and interconnectedness covers a wide range of economic, technological and diplomatic domains.
He also praised the leadership role played by Brazil and other countries that adopt a future vision, and seek to enhance interconnectedness and achieve the positive change that the world so desperately needs.
At the conclusion of his speech, Sayyid Badr reiterated that the Sultanate of Oman looks forward to working with all G20 Summit member states to build a more just and connected world within the theme of a "Charter for the Future", envisaged to achieve international cooperation.
Within the framework of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sayyid Badr convened with José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain.
The two ministers stressed their keenness to follow up on new agreements and memoranda of understanding between their countries to support ties of cooperation and partnership relations in various sectors that generate benefits for both sides. They also discussed developments on the regional and international arenas.
Sayyid Badr commended the Spanish government's position in backing the realisation of the legitimate Palestinian cause. He expressed Oman’s appreciation for Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine.
The two sides underscored the significance of advancing international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and a just solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy and the Two-State Solution.
Then, Sayyid Badr held a meeting with Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. The two discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Oman and Estonia in the fields of technology, information technology related services and digital solutions.
They also exchanged views on major regional and international issues of common interest.
Further, Sayyid Badr held a meeting with Dr Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad.
The meeting touched on the major regional and international issues and developments of common concern.
The two ministers stressed their keenness to consolidate bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and transport, in addition to means of exchanging technical and scientific expertise.
In another meeting, Sayyid Badr and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed historical, cultural and bilateral relations between their two countries.
They underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation in various fields. They agreed to consolidate dialogue and expand areas of partnership.
The meeting also touched on a number of regional and international issues of common interests, including security and economic challenges.
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