The Sultanate of Oman participated in a high-level meeting to defend international law, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at the joint invitation of the Republic of South Africa and Malaysia.

Oman was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Alqutbi, Head of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organisations Department.

In Oman’s statement, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of respecting international law and applying it fairly, consistently and without selectivity or double standards. He also spoke of the need to strengthen the role and independence of international institutions.

He noted that the Palestinian issue represents one of the most significant tests of the credibility of the international system. He reaffirmed Oman’s longstanding position calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and the achievement of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Oman spoke about the importance of dialogue, mediation and diplomacy, as well as adherence to the rule of law, in resolving disputes. It noted that sustainable peace requires justice and that defending international law requires its principles to be applied to all, without exception.