MUSCAT: Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi on Friday expressed regret at being unable to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in person due to the current circumstances created by the war against Iran that began on February 28. He attended the meeting through video conferencing.
He welcomed the ceasefire that took effect on Wednesday and called for collective stewardship of the Indian Ocean to restore security, stability, and freedom of navigation.
Oman reiterated its commitment to uphold the law of the sea, promote constructive cooperation, and prevent the region from becoming a theatre of conflict or zero-sum competition.
Emphasising pragmatism, neutrality, and mutual respect, he urged adherence to international law, freedom of navigation, and state sovereignty, while speaking up for justice when laws are violated.
He stressed the need to address environmental damage from conflict and balance blue economy opportunities with marine preservation for a sustainable future for the Indian Ocean and its people.
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