The Sultanate of Oman on Monday participated in the 165th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, held in the State of Kuwait.
Oman’s delegation was headed by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister.
The meeting addressed the developments in joint Gulf action across political, economic, security, developmental and other fields. It also discussed other topics on the agenda.
Several decisions were taken to enhance integration among GCC member states and reinforce regional security and stability, with an emphasis on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as a strategic choice in addressing challenges.
The Ministerial Council lauded the role undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman in facilitating dialogue between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing the importance of sustaining these efforts, alongside other international initiatives, to reduce tensions and avoid escalation in the region.
As for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the council reiterated its call for an end to Israeli aggression, ensuring the protection of civilians, lifting the blockade, securing the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and the return of displaced people, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.
The council also denounced statements of Israeli prime minister concerning violations of the sovereignty of some Arab countries, considering them a serious threat to regional and international security.
Furthermore, the council affirmed its support for international efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, contributing to the enhancement of international peace and security.
JOINT MEETING
The Sultanate of Oman participated in the second joint ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC foreign ministers and Takeshi Iwaya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in the State of Kuwait. The Sultanate of Oman was represented at the meeting by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy.
The meeting discussed means to enhance friendship and cooperation between the GCC states and Japan in various fields, particularly economic, trade, and investment domains. This aims to achieve common interests and support sustainable development efforts, in line with the implementation of the joint action plan signed between Japan and the GCC for the period from 2024 to 2028.
The ministers emphasised the importance of expanding horizons of cooperation in new and promising areas, such as renewable energy, petrochemical industries, technology and the logistics sector, and leveraging the advanced supply chains of Japan and the Gulf states to enrich long-term economic partnerships.
Regarding regional and international developments, the two sides addressed the latest updates and exchanged views on key issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip resulting from the brutal Israeli aggression and refusal to withdraw from Palestinian territories, which hinders the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The GCC member states expressed appreciation for Japan’s stance in support of resolving the Palestinian issue in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, contributing to the consolidation of security and stability in the region and reflecting Japan’s commitment to supporting just causes on the international stage.
The meeting was chaired by Abdullah Ali al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, and the current president of the Ministerial Council session, in the presence of the GCC Secretary-General. — ONA
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