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.”



Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
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Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)

Kuwait reiterated its commitment to working with the international community to tackle the growing threat of terrorism, highlighting the importance of strengthening global cooperation in this fight.

Meanwhile, the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Representative warned that the number of deaths from terrorist attacks is on the rise, with the latest Global Terrorism Index showing a 22% increase in fatalities in 2023.

Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, cautioned that conflict zones could become breeding grounds for terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda.

He spoke at the High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” that began in Kuwait on Monday.

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah said: “We expect this phase of the Dushanbe Process to strengthen international efforts aimed at creating a secure and stable future for all.”

“Terrorism knows no borders and does not distinguish between countries or religions,” he noted.

The conference will conclude its work Tuesday, with the adoption of the “Kuwait Declaration” which will reflect the discussions and opinions of the participants and will serve as a guiding document for efforts to combat terrorism.

The Crown Prince urged collective action against terrorism and emphasized the need for unity in facing this challenge. He stressed that terrorism and violent extremism are not linked to any religion, culture, or ethnic group.

He also highlighted the critical role of the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Program and the UN Counter-Terrorism Center in boosting border security, providing member states with the necessary expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate counter-terrorism measures.

This approach is vital for effectively addressing emerging threats at borders.

At the conference's opening session, Voronkov stressed that international cooperation in fighting terrorism should guide all parties toward effective coordination and collaboration to secure their countries and prevent terrorist movements across borders.

Voronkov pointed out that the global security situation is changing, with terrorists exploiting border vulnerabilities. Recent reports show that more than 40% of violent incidents and 10% of deaths from political violence occur within 100 kilometers of land borders.

He specifically noted the growing terrorist presence in coastal West African countries like Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, mentioning that violent incidents in border areas have surged by 250% over the past two years.

He also highlighted that the latest Global Terrorism Index indicates a 22% rise in global terrorism-related deaths in 2023, reaching 8,352—the highest number since 2017.

Voronkov cautioned that the travel routes used by groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda pose significant risks, especially in conflict-affected regions like the Sahel, where they can recruit and move individuals across poorly secured borders.