Oman stresses importance of keeping vital waterways open and safe for international navigation

Oman's Foreign Minister affirmed the importance of keeping vital waterways, foremost among them the Strait of Hormuz, open and safe for international navigation and trade.

This came during the Sultanate of Oman's participation in the ministerial meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the "Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia", held today in the Philippine capital Manila.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, during an intervention in a session titled "Enhancing Maritime Security and Promoting Maritime Cooperation", stressed that international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, represents a fundamental pillar for maritime security and safeguarding freedom of navigation, given its crucial importance for global trade, food security, and energy security.

He explained that maintaining open and safe waterways requires responsible cooperation between coastal states and other users of sea routes, pointing out that the existing cooperation in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore represents a model that enhances trust and consolidates collective responsibility.

The Omani Foreign Minister affirmed his country's appreciation for its growing partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and for the principles underlying the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, noting that the passage of fifty years since its signing underscores the importance of international law, mutual respect, and peaceful cooperation.

He also renewed the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to supporting and facilitating dialogue and resolving disputes through diplomatic means, affirming that his country will continue to enhance maritime cooperation with ASEAN countries and contribute to consolidating the security, stability, and prosperity of maritime routes.