Seminar reaffirms commitment to diplomacy in resolving conflicts

MUSCAT: As regional tensions continue to cast a shadow over the Middle East, diplomats, officials and media leaders gathered in Muscat on Sunday for a symposium hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Oman under the theme 'Resolving Disputes Through Political and Diplomatic Means', reaffirming the importance of dialogue over conflict in addressing regional crises. The symposium brought together senior Omani officials, editors, academics and diplomats.
In his keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Oman Lyu Jian described the current Middle East conflict as “a war that should never have been fought,” warning that the ongoing escalation has inflicted heavy humanitarian and economic costs on the region and the wider world.
“Only by adhering to political and diplomatic means can lasting peace truly be achieved,” Ambassador Lyu said, while praising Oman’s mediation efforts and its longstanding commitment to diplomacy and regional stability.
The ambassador highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal for safeguarding peace in the Middle East, which centres on peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law and balancing development with security. Lyu stressed that China supports an immediate ceasefire and remains committed to promoting dialogue and political solutions to regional disputes.
He also underscored the growing convergence between Chinese and Omani foreign policy principles, noting that both countries advocate dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Oman’s role as a regional mediator was repeatedly praised during the discussions, particularly its efforts in facilitating indirect negotiations and reducing tensions in the Gulf.
Participants engaged in an extensive discussion on the future of regional security and China’s evolving role in the Middle East. Questions raised during the symposium touched on post-war Gulf security arrangements, China-US relations, educational cooperation and opportunities for Omani youth in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, green energy and digital technology.
Responding to questions from participants, Ambassador Lyu said the “great majority” of countries and peoples in the region desire peace despite the complexity of the current situation.
He added that China would continue supporting all initiatives aimed at de-escalation and dialogue, while strengthening cooperation with Gulf countries across trade, technology and education.
The symposium also shed light on the expanding China-Oman partnership. China remains Oman’s largest trading partner, with cooperation growing in renewable energy, infrastructure, education and environmental protection. Ambassador Lyu noted that more than 1,200 Omani officials and technical personnel have received training in China, while scholarships and Chinese-language education opportunities for Omani students continue to increase.
Participants concluded the symposium by reaffirming the need for stronger international cooperation, greater dialogue between nations and continued commitment to resolving inter-state disputes through peaceful and diplomatic channels.