Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi chaired the Sultanate of Oman’s delegation to the second Ministerial Meeting of the Arab India Cooperation Forum, held in New Delhi.

In his speech, he highlighted the depth of the historic relations between the Arab world and the Republic of India. He noted that these ties draw on a shared civilisational legacy and deep-rooted human and cultural links. Over the centuries, these links have strengthened mutual understanding and promoted the values of tolerance and coexistence. They have also laid the foundation for a partnership based on constructive cooperation and respect for the sovereignty and independence of states, he added.

Sayyid Badr pointed to the strategic importance which Oman attaches to Arab India cooperation. He reaffirmed Oman’s support for programmes of collaboration in vital and promising areas. These include trade and investment to diversify economic partnerships and create broader opportunities for the private sector. He also highlighted cooperation in health, pharmaceuticals and environmental protection. He noted the need to address cross-border challenges, including combating terrorism, extremism and hate speech.

The Foreign Minister said that the resources and expertise of Arab countries, together with India’s advanced industrial and technological capabilities, create wide opportunities for cooperation in energy security, agriculture and food security, supporting the sustainability of supply chains in these key sectors. He also underlined the importance of cooperation and coordination on maritime security. He called for safeguarding international trade freedom and the safety of sea lanes in to serve regional and global economies and protect shared interests.

Sayyid Badr also spoke about the importance of exchanging views on regional and international issues and developments. He affirmed the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, which should guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in line with legitimate international resolutions and the two-state solution. It should establish an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital. It should also secure full membership for Palestine in the United Nations.

Sayyid Badr reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to supporting partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests. He also called for advancing Arab India relations towards a comprehensive partnership that meets peoples’ aspirations and keeps pace with future requirements. He noted the importance of reforming the United Nations system to enhance its effectiveness, its fairness and its ability to respond to growing international challenges.