Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
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Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)

Oman has inaugurated the 8th Indian Ocean Conference under the theme “A Voyage Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” The event gathered ministers, officials, experts, and specialists in maritime, economic, and diplomatic affairs from around the world, with representatives from 60 countries and international organizations.

In his opening speech, Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said that partnerships among Indian Ocean nations go beyond maritime issues to include energy, technology, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to promoting dialogue, respecting multilateralism, and focusing on common ground rather than divisions.

He stressed that cooperation is the only way to ensure security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean, asserting that maritime sovereignty and freedom of navigation cannot be achieved through hostile policies or military force but through constructive engagement and collaboration. He also highlighted the need for nations of the Global South to speak with a unified voice to enhance maritime security and address shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.

The conference, organized by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the India Foundation and supported by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, aims to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations while strengthening regional cooperation in maritime, economic, and security affairs.

Al Busaidi said: “The Indian Ocean is not just a body of water; it is an economic lifeline, a platform for exchange, and a bridge for communication and friendship. We share a collective responsibility to address issues such as protecting the marine environment, ensuring freedom of navigation, and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities against climate change. This conference presents an opportunity to explore the ocean’s untapped potential.”

He further explained that Oman’s economic vision is centered on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in blue economy sectors, port infrastructure, and logistics services. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to developing sustainable strategies that benefit all.

Al Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s belief that all nations are partners in achieving shared security and prosperity, stressing the Sultanate’s commitment to fostering an inclusive partnership in the Indian Ocean that ensures fair opportunities for all, both in the North and the South.

Over two days, the conference will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations, with a focus on maritime trade, renewable energy, maritime security, and technological innovation.



Saudi Arabia Affirms Unwavering Support for Global Humanitarian Efforts

The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Unwavering Support for Global Humanitarian Efforts

The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. AFP file photo

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed its unwavering commitment to support global humanitarian issues and its contributions to alleviating the suffering of those affected by wars and disasters.

In a statement delivered at the UN Economic and Social Council, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, indicated that Saudi Arabia, despite global economic challenges, continues its generous approach as one of the largest donor countries in the humanitarian and development fields.

The ambassador explained that humanitarian crises have become exacerbated by the increase in armed conflicts and the decline in adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing that addressing the root causes of crises is crucial to alleviating human suffering.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation in the global initiative launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to reaffirm commitment to international humanitarian law, along with its hosting of multiple peace talks between conflicting parties, reflects its strong belief in the importance of dialogue as a means to achieve lasting peace.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, bin Khothaila explained that Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the serious violations and war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the brotherly Palestinian people. He emphasized that preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip and using it as a tool of war constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.

The ambassador noted that a peace conference, co-chaired with the French Republic, had been scheduled for June 2025 as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts within the Global Coalition to advance the two-state solution. However, recent regional developments have led to its postponement.

He emphasized the importance of integrating relief and development in addressing crises, pointing to Saudi Arabia's integrated model through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).