BRUSSELS: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the third EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on Monday.
The Omani delegation was led by Shaikh Ahmed bin Hashel al Maskari, Head of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Regional Neighbourhood Department at the Foreign Ministry.
He stressed the importance of sustained Gulf‑European dialogue and the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two sides in the service of shared security, stability and prosperity.
He also affirmed the solidarity of the GCC states in confronting current challenges and underscored Oman’s vision on the importance of safeguarding regional security and stability, as well as its commitment to freedom of maritime navigation and the safety of international trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law and the law of the sea.
He noted that Oman continues its close cooperation with the International Maritime Organization to enhance the safety and security of maritime navigation and support regional and international stability.
The forum addressed a spectrum of regional and international issues of mutual concern and explored ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the GCC and the European Union across various fields, contributing to the consolidation of security, stability and sustainable development.
The forum was attended by Ru’a bint Issa al Zadjali, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of the Omani Mission to the European Union.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States was reinstating its blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf and would ensure the Strait of Hormuz stays open - for a fee - after the two sides exchanged more missile and drone attacks. The latest hostilities followed an announcement by Iran at the weekend that it was closing the strait, and cast further doubt on the viability of an interim deal to halt the war and drove oil prices higher.
"The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating the Iranian Blockade," Trump said on Truth Social. - ONA/AFP
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