UK, Oman Seek to Promote Regional Stability, Reduce Tension

Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi meets with British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development David Cameron in Muscat. (Oman's Foreign Ministry)
Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi meets with British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development David Cameron in Muscat. (Oman's Foreign Ministry)
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UK, Oman Seek to Promote Regional Stability, Reduce Tension

Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi meets with British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development David Cameron in Muscat. (Oman's Foreign Ministry)
Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi meets with British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development David Cameron in Muscat. (Oman's Foreign Ministry)

British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development David Cameron stressed on Wednesday that his country and Oman are working together to promote regional stability in the Middle East and reduce tensions.

Cameron held talks with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi in Muscat.

Discussions focused on the Palestinian cause, ceasefire efforts, and a lasting humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip.

The meeting discussed regional developments, particularly the Palestinian issue and efforts to support the ceasefire, by achieving a permanent humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip and allowing the entry of relief materials and aid of all kinds, said Oman's Foreign Ministry in a statement on X.

The meeting also discussed the release of hostages and affirmative action to implement the international consensus for the two-state solution by establishing an independent Palestinian state under international law.

"The UK and Oman are working together to promote regional stability in the Middle East and reduce tensions. We continue to work with partners on a route to a sustainable ceasefire and longer-term political solutions," Cameron said in a post on X.

Moreover, Cameron held talks with Minister of the Royal Office Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nuamani.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed several regional and international issues. They also highlighted areas of joint cooperation in a bid to serve joint interests, according to Oman News Agency.

Moreover, they underscored the friendly relations between Oman and the UK.

Last week, Cameron met with leaders in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar, and Türkiye.

The Foreign Secretary will reiterate with regional leaders the UK’s call for an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza to allow significantly more aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire, the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said.

“The visit will be an opportunity to move forward the Foreign Secretary’s work to establish a Contact Group to be established between the US, UK, key EU, Gulf and Arab countries and Türkiye, to use a pause in fighting to build momentum towards a lasting solution.”

“The UK's position is clear: Gaza is occupied Palestinian territory and will be part of the future Palestinian state. Settlements are illegal. No Palestinian should be threatened with forcible displacement or relocation,” stressed the Office.

Cameron will call for stability over ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the de-escalating of tensions in the region, the Office added.

The Houthi attacks on international shipping will be a major focus of his discussions. “The Foreign Secretary will reiterate the UK’s commitment to getting life-saving aid into Yemen and outline the action the UK is taking to deter the Houthis targeting ships in the Red Sea.”



Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Shahabuddin a similar cable.


Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.