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 Govt Discusses Efforts to Bolster Global Economic Growth

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Discusses Efforts to Bolster Global Economic Growth

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government reviewed on Tuesday the Kingdom's ongoing efforts and contributions at the international level to support multilateral action and bolster global economic growth. This includes continued cooperation and coordination with producers within the OPEC+ group to maintain stability in oil markets.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah on Tuesday.

He briefed the cabinet on the discussions he held with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the telephone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The cabinet praised the outcomes of the first meeting of the Saudi-Indonesian Supreme Coordination Council, which reflected the strength of bilateral relations and the mutual keenness to elevate them to broader horizons.

It welcomed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between private-sector entities in both countries, covering clean energy, petrochemical industries, and aviation fuel services, contributing to the shared ambition of establishing an advanced economic partnership.

The cabinet welcomed the Kingdom's hosting of the 21st general conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), scheduled to be held in Riyadh in November. The conference aims to develop joint solutions to challenges related to sustainable industrialization, innovation, and technological transformation.

Moreover, the cabinet praised the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of a resolution submitted by Saudi Arabia to protect children in the digital space, stemming from the “Child Protection in Cyberspace” global initiative launched by the Crown Prince.

The move reinforces the initiative's international goals and reflects the Kingdom’s vision through practical steps toward a safe and inclusive digital environment for this age group.

The cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia's continued ranking in the top position in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook’s cybersecurity indicator for 2025, noting that the achievement adds to the series of successes the sector has accomplished in record time across various international levels. It noted the sector’s successes in supporting technological prosperity, localization of priority technologies, and enhancement of international cooperation.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the ICT Development Index 2025 issued by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The achievement confirms the robustness of the Kingdom’s smart digital infrastructure, its attractive investment environment, and the growth of its local digital economy, which has reached SAR495 billion.

The cabinet hailed ongoing successes in combating drug trafficking, including the arrest of criminal networks involved in the trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances in Saudi Arabia. It underscored the continuous security and preventive efforts aimed at protecting the community from this serious issue.