Oman
Participates in GCC-UK Ministerial Meeting in New York

New
York, 24 Sep (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman today participated in the Joint
Ministerial Meeting between the GCC countries and the United Kingdom (UK), held
on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In
his statement, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, emphasized
the deep historical relations linking Oman and the GCC countries with the UK
and the growing cooperation in defense, security, trade, renewable energy,
logistics, and communication. He noted that this partnership benefits the
security and stability of both regions and opens wider avenues for cooperation
in the educational, technical, and cultural fields.

Sayyid
Badr also expressed the GCC countries’ anticipation of the successful
conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the UK, viewing it as
a strong framework that will unleash the full potential of the existing
economic partnership and boost the flow of investments and trade, which is
valued at billions of dollars annually.

On
political matters, the Foreign Minister highlighted the meeting held last July
between His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and UK’s Prime Minister Keir
Starmer. He affirmed that this meeting reflects the depth of consultations and
shared understandings between the two friendly countries.

Oman
and the GCC countries also welcomed the UK’s decision to recognize the State of
Palestine, considering it an important step towards achieving justice and a
fundamental pillar for implementing the two-state solution.

He
stressed that confronting Israeli violations and the practices of the extremist
government led by Benjamin Netanyahu requires bold, practical measures. These
measures must include halting military cooperation and applying serious
pressure on Israel to engage in a genuine political process that leads to
ending the suffering of the Palestinian people and guaranteeing their
legitimate rights.

The
Foreign Minister stressed that achieving lasting security and peace will only
be realized through justice and empowering Palestinians with their full rights
to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state. He
warned against any attempts by external powers to impose a Palestinian
leadership, asserting that such an approach would exacerbate the crisis rather
than contribute to its resolution.

Sayyid
Badr concluded his statement by affirming that Oman’s relations with the UK are
based on openness, pragmatism, and mutual respect. The Sultanate of Oman looks
forward to continuing work with the UK and the GCC countries to enhance
security, stability, and a just peace in the region and the world at large.

—Ends/AG