Oman: A beacon of peace and stability

Muscat: In the dynamic landscape of the Middle East, Oman stands as a beacon of peace and stability. Its principled approach to diplomacy and unwavering commitment to harmony have earned it acclaim on the global stage.

Recognising these contributions, The Diplomatic World magazine has bestowed upon the Sultanate of Oman the honour of being a pivotal force for peace in the region and called it an architect of peace in the tumultuous landscape of the Middle East.

In a comprehensive coverage, The Diplomatic World underscored the foundational elements of Oman’s foreign policy, extolling its blueprint of peaceful coexistence and harmony. The spotlight also illuminated Oman’s visionary national tourism strategy, highlighting its distinctive facets and the developmental strides in Omani media.

Furthermore, the article delved into the Sultanate’s unwavering commitment to preserving cultural heritage, its robust economy, and its burgeoning investment prospects, reflecting a landscape ripe with promise and opportunity.

Barbara Dietrich, the CEO of The Diplomatic World, conveyed her profound admiration for Oman’s ethos of peaceful coexistence and harmony during her visit to the nation.

She lauded Oman as a beacon of inspiration, emphasising its pivotal role as a discreet architect of peace in the Middle East.
She commended Oman’s adeptness in mediation diplomacy, citing its steadfast pursuit of balancing interests, tolerance for differences, and the relentless quest for mutual benefits as foundational pillars of its foreign policy.

In an exclusive interview with The Diplomatic World, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expounded on Oman’s principled approach to international relations.

He elucidated that Oman’s diplomatic ethos revolves around a singular objective: to earnestly comprehend and acknowledge the interests of others while articulating its own perspectives candidly and authentically.

Al Busaidi underscored Oman’s unwavering commitment to principles of mutual trust, transparency, and credibility, eschewing hidden agendas or deceptive practices.

His Excellency said: “Oman’s foreign policy highly values the principles of mutual trust, transparency and maintaining credibility at all times, and does not adopt a hidden agenda or deceptive practices. We are very honest in what we believe in, and we speak with our friends frankly, even if we disagree with each other. We cannot be hypocrites.”

Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs elaborated Oman’s stance of constructive neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, firmly asserting Oman’s sovereignty while advocating for pragmatic realism, openness, and good neighbourliness. Noteworthy is Oman’s steadfast encouragement of inclusive dialogue, ensuring the equitable participation of all stakeholders without bias or favoritism.

Highlighting Oman’s diplomatic endeavours, Al Busaidi underscored Oman’s pivotal role in fostering reconciliation between regional powers, including efforts to facilitate the release of detainees in conflict zones.

His Excellency said that the Sultanate of Oman encouraged rapprochement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and highlighted Oman’s efforts to release detainees in Yemen or Iran, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at ameliorating the Syrian crisis in the Arab world.

Notably, Oman has been instrumental in diplomatic initiatives aimed at and addressing the humanitarian plight in Gaza.

Al Busaidi emphasised the global consensus favouring justice for the Palestinian people in the wake of Israeli aggression, denouncing tactics that stifle dissent and perpetuate conflict. He advocated for a paradigm shift towards inclusivity and understanding as the antidote to extremism, emphasising the imperative of bridging divides through dialogue and shared perspectives.

Al Busaidi said: “We are witnessing countries that see the behaviour of Israel and its supporters as not only hypocritical, or disproportionate, but also genocidal. I believe that strategies that involve escalating conflicts, or silencing those who disagree with us, do not lead to peace.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the only way through which extremism can be combated is to stop the endless cycle of violence, and try to understand points of view and share our own ideas on the basis of inclusiveness and equality, even if the divisions sometimes seem too wide, or difficult to overcome, and in this way we can chart a meaningful path to peace.

In conclusion, Al Busaidi reiterated Oman’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace and understanding in the region, championing a path guided by inclusivity, equality, and dialogue as the cornerstone of sustainable peacebuilding efforts.