Muscat: Activities of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) were concluded today. Through various topics, the conference addressed the opportunities and challenges facing the Indian Ocean countries and means of enhancing regional cooperation.
According to Oman News Agency, on the sidelines of the closing day, an event titled India-Indian Ocean Economic Forum was held. It was attended by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and some officials from the Foreign Ministry and participants in the conference.
In a speech delivered during the event, Al Yousef emphasized the IOC as a platform dedicated to fostering maritime partnerships and economic integration across the region. He highlighted Oman’s commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring countries and fostering a regional economic ecosystem that promotes prosperity for all. He recounted Oman’s historical maritime tradition, which continues today with Oman serving as a strategic gateway between the East and the West.
Al Yousef affirmed the economic significance of the Indian Ocean, noting it as an economic lifeline facilitating nearly 80% of global oil trade and a significant portion of the world’s container traffic. The ports in this region handle billions of dollars in trade annually, yet there is still potential for growth.
Miyaji Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, discussed the importance of enhancing the common interests of all countries bordering the Indian Ocean. He stressed the need for promoting and protecting the free global economy and ensuring economic security through the development of advanced technology, international agreements, and enhanced maritime security.
Three main sessions were held on the closing day. The first session, ‘Strengthening Global Maritime Cooperation’, focused on joint cooperation among countries to ensure security and freedom of navigation, protect the marine environment, and develop the blue economy. The second session, ‘Innovative Port Security’, addressed technology and innovation in port security. The third session, ‘Global Marine Resource Management – Challenges and Opportunities’, tackled marine resource management challenges and opportunities for cooperation.
The conference concluded with a joint dialogue session featuring Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Dr. Ram Madhav, and Shri Jaideep Mazumdar. Participants engaged in discussions about future regional relations, international cooperation in enhancing maritime security and trade, and addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Sayyid Badr highlighted the conference as an opportunity to enhance regional and international cooperation in maritime security, trade, and sustainable development. He expressed hope for these discussions to lead to more constructive partnerships and initiatives benefiting the region.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy noted the conference’s discussion on utilizing oceans to enhance partnerships and the investment potential offered by Oman. Bilateral meetings were held with delegations from over 30 countries, private sector companies, and experiences were exchanged on the challenges facing maritime routes.
Hosting the conference reflects Oman’s role in enhancing regional and international cooperation in the Indian Ocean. It underscores Oman’s commitment to supporting constructive dialogue and sustainable partnerships for a more prosperous future.