Friday 24 / July / 2026
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation and stronger cooperation with Southeast Asian nations during a ministerial meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), held in Manila, the Philippines.
The Omani delegation was led by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking during a session on "Strengthening Maritime Security and Promoting Maritime Cooperation," Sayyid Badr expressed Oman’s appreciation to the Philippines for hosting the meeting and extended gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality.
He highlighted Oman’s growing partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), noting that the 50th anniversary of the TAC underscores the enduring importance of international law, mutual respect and peaceful cooperation in maintaining regional and global stability.
Sayyid Badr stressed that open dialogue remains a cornerstone of conflict resolution and confidence-building, reaffirming Oman’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts and facilitating dialogue to resolve disputes peacefully.
Addressing maritime security, he reiterated Oman’s firm position that key international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, must remain open, secure and accessible for navigation, free from any actions that could disrupt freedom of navigation or international trade.
He emphasized that international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provides the essential framework for maritime security. Respect for its provisions, he said, is critical to safeguarding global trade, food security and energy security.
The Foreign Minister also underlined the need for responsible cooperation among coastal states and all users of international shipping lanes to ensure safe and uninterrupted maritime passage. He cited the cooperative framework in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore as a successful model for enhancing trust and promoting shared responsibility.
Concluding his remarks, Sayyid Badr reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to deepening maritime cooperation with ASEAN member states and contributing to the development of safe, stable and prosperous maritime partnerships.
