Friday 26 / July / 2024
Moscow: The Sultanate of Oman on Monday chaired the 6th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC Countries and the Russian Federation, which was held in Moscow.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi.
In his speech, Sayyid Badr said that the meeting contributes to deepening mutual understanding on many common interests. It also strengthens the cooperation relations in all economic, political, cultural, climate issues, renewable energy and other areas of common interest, pointed Sayyid Badr.
He added that the GCC countries highly appreciate the stances and efforts of the Russian government towards the Palestinian issue. The GCC countries, noted Sayyid Badr, stresses the centrality of this issue and the strategic necessity to solve it and end one of the most important causes of instability in the region.
He affirmed that the GCC countries condemn the Israeli practices and violations that target the Palestinians in their lives, property and presence on their land.
The GCC countries, said Sayyid Badr, stress the importance of intensifying efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement of this issue on the basis of the two-state solution and in accordance with the rules of international legitimacy, in a way that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the borders of 1967, as stipulated in the resolutions of international legitimacy.
Sayyid Badr affirmed that the GCC countries keep tab of the developments in Sudan, and express their deep concern about the humanitarian and security repercussions of the crisis.
He underlined the importance of de-escalation and giving priority to dialogue and lifting the suffering of the Sudanese people, as well as preserving state institutions, and preventing any external interference in Sudanese affairs that may fuel the conflict and threaten regional peace and security.
Sayyid Badr also stressed the importance of achieving security and stability in Yemen, and baking international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive Yemeni political solution to the crisis, with the participation of all Yemeni parties.
In this context, he pointed out that the GCC renews its support for the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen and the aspirations of the Yemeni people to establish peace.
As for the conflict in Ukraine, Sayyid Badr affirmed that this war has repercussions on international peace and security. In this regard, he affirmed that the GCC believes in the importance of moving towards a peaceful solution, via dialogue and the standards of international law and resolving the conflict between all parties by peaceful means and on the basis of respect for the principles of good neighborliness and the sovereignty and independence of states.
Sayyid Badr underscored the commitment of the GCC countries to support all efforts aimed at achieving reconciliation and peace, expanding all diplomatic channels and enhancing communication and dialogue between the concerned parties in a bid to achieve peace, security, stability and prosperity.
This, he said, will serve hopes and aspirations of the peoples of the two countries and the region.
He added that this meeting comes at a time when global challenges related to climate change, armed conflicts and political instability are increasing, while at the same time there are many opportunities that need to be utilised for development and progress.
He underscored the positive examples seen in the Gulf region, including the hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the Formula races in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) besides other important international events, the UAE’s preparation to host the “COP 28” conference in Dubai next November, as well as Qatar’s readiness to host the Asian Cup in January 2024.
All these events, said Sayyid Badr, reflect the GCC countries’ openness to partnership and cooperation with the world, as well as the safety and stability they enjoy, making them an attractive destination for investment, tourism, business, entertainment, sports, culture and other activities.
Diplomatic relations
The Foreign Minister also touched on other important developments, namely the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The meeting reviewed relations between the GCC countries and the Russian Federation. It also touched on means of boosting joint cooperation in various areas, particularly in the fields of economy, investment, trade and tourism. The two sides also exchanged views on a set of regional and international issues of common concern.
The meeting emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules of international law in resolving conflicts, adopting dialogue and peaceful means, and respecting the sovereignty and independence of states in order to preserve the policy of good neighborliness and peaceful coexistence to maintain security, stability and peace at the regional and international levels.
The meeting was attended by the GCC foreign ministers, GCC Secretary General, Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister.
The Omani delegation comprised Sheikh Ahmed Hashil Al Maskari, Head of the GCC and Regional Neighborhood Department, Hamoud Salim Al Tuwaih, Ambassador of Oman to the Russian Federation and a number of officials at the Foreign Ministry.
