Cambridge:Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Foreign Minister of Oman, has reiterated the nation's commitment to bolstering security and stability in the Gulf region through continued diplomatic efforts. Speaking at the University of Cambridge, Al Busaidi emphasized Oman's role in facilitating dialogue among regional parties, resolving conflicts, and advocating for a comprehensive security framework involving the Gulf's eight littoral states.
According to Oman News Agency, the Foreign Minister highlighted Oman's peaceful relations with its neighbors and its dedication to regional security as pivotal to its foreign policy. This strategy drives Oman to actively engage with regional countries to settle disputes and maintain peace.
During his lecture, Al Busaidi detailed Oman's involvement in negotiations between the United States and Iran over the past two years. The aim has been to reach a settlement concerning the Iranian nuclear program, which Oman believes has seen significant progress, with an agreement between the two nations deemed achievable.
The minister also discussed Oman's high-level talks and technical consultations with Iran to establish temporary arrangements ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that successful implementation would require practical understanding and concessions from both Iran and the United States.
Al Busaidi underscored the importance of regional states taking responsibility for their security rather than depending on external powers. He proposed launching a new regional dialogue that includes the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, Iraq, and Iran to foster a cooperative security system based on mutual trust.
He recalled the 1976 initiative in Muscat, where foreign ministers of the eight Gulf littoral states convened to discuss collective security. Reviving this initiative, he suggested, could help address current regional challenges more comprehensively.
The Foreign Minister also called for a non-aggression pact among the eight states as a crucial move towards sustainable regional security. He argued that external partnerships should focus on economic investments while prioritizing the region's collective responsibility in shaping their security arrangements.