{"id":22062,"date":"2025-02-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/22062\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T05:48:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T05:48:07","slug":"indian-ocean-conference-opens-in-oman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/22062\/","title":{"rendered":"Indian Ocean Conference opens in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 8th Indian Ocean Conference opened in Oman, under the theme &#8220;A Journey Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,&#8221; with the participation of ministers, officials, experts, and specialists in maritime, economic, and diplomatic affairs from around the world.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=276463504  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72434 size-fusion-800\" src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/ZAK02018-800x533-1.jpg\" alt=\"8th Indian Ocean Conference opens in Oman\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Organised by Oman&#8217;s Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with the <a href=\"https:\/\/indiafoundation.in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">India Foundation<\/a>, and supported by the <a href=\"https:\/\/rsis.edu.sg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore<\/a>, the Conference aims to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean countries and to enhance regional cooperation in maritime, economic, and security affairs.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=1480990588  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72548 size-fusion-800\" src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/ZAK01816-800x535-1.jpg\" alt=\"8th Indian Ocean Conference Opens in Muscat\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" \/><\/p>\n<p>During the opening session, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/ministry\/about-us\/key-figures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oman&#8217;s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi<\/a> delivered a speech welcoming the participants. He highlighted the importance of the Conference in strengthening maritime partnerships among countries in the region and fostering dialogue on shared concerns.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=2069510912  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/ZAK01996-e1739701695109-800x919-1.jpg\"  decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72437 size-fusion-800\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi speaks to 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman\" width=\"800\" height=\"919\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sayyid Badr said that the Indian Ocean is not merely a body of water but a major economic artery, a platform for trade exchange, and a bridge connecting nations.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister added that the country\u2019s economic vision is based on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in the blue economy, port infrastructure, and logistics services. He stressed the importance of protecting the marine environment, ensuring freedom of navigation, and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities against climate change and economic challenges.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=1900498243  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02407-1-800x533-1.jpg\"  decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72546 size-fusion-800\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"8th Indian Ocean Conference Opens in Muscat\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>He pointed out that partnerships among Indian Ocean countries extend beyond maritime affairs to include energy, technology, and sustainable development. He added that Oman is committed to fostering dialogue, respecting multilateralism, and seeking common ground rather than differences.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We call on everyone to adopt an approach based on trust, leading by example, active listening, constructive engagement, and mutual respect. This enables us to achieve a deeper understanding of different perspectives and maximise the benefits of our partners&#8217; experiences,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=1980464593  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/ZAK02006-800x533-1.jpg\"  decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72440 size-fusion-800\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"8th Indian Ocean Conference opens in Oman\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sayyid Badr highlighted the Sultanate&#8217;s rich maritime history, explaining that Oman has always been a seafaring nation, with the Indian Ocean serving as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange throughout history. He stressed that maritime cooperation is only possible through dialogue, rule-setting, and mutual trust among partners.<\/p>\n<p>Citing historical developments in maritime law, he spoke about the evolution of ocean governance\u2014from the Byzantine era in the 7th century to the Dutch legal scholar Hugo Grotius in the 17th century, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in the 20th century.<\/p>\n<p>He said that partnership is the only path to ensuring the security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean. He emphasised that maritime sovereignty and freedom of navigation cannot be achieved through hostile policies or military force, but rather through cooperation and constructive engagement. He added that the countries of the Global South must unite to strengthen maritime security and address shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=49026027  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02393-1-800x533-1.jpg\"  decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72542 size-fusion-800\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"8th Indian Ocean Conference Opens in Muscat\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sayyid Badr said that the Sultanate views all countries as partners in ensuring shared security and prosperity. He reiterated Oman&#8217;s commitment to fostering an inclusive partnership in the Indian Ocean that guarantees equitable opportunities for all, both in the northern and southern regions.<\/p>\n<p>He also called for strengthening multilateral platforms that promote cooperation, capacity-building, and shared responsibility in maintaining the security and sustainability of the Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n<p>Concluding his speech, he said that oceans have shaped shared histories and continue to be a source of security, stability, and prosperity. He added that the Conference is an opportunity to unite efforts and capitalise on the diversity among Indian Ocean nations.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=307404041  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02149-800x535-1.jpg\"  decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-72487 size-fusion-800 aligncenter\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Indian Ocean Conference Muscat Opening\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This Conference is an opportunity to consolidate our efforts and embrace our diversity as we sail together towards new horizons of partnership and a brighter future,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>To view the text of Sayyid Badr&#8217;s speech to the Conference click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/h-e-sayyid-badr-albusaidi-the-foreign-ministers-speech\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. To view a video of the speech click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/news\/videos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=1180404542  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02274-800x533-1.jpg\"  decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72539 size-fusion-800\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Exhibition at 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/>Over two days, the Conference will explore opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean countries, focusing on maritime trade, renewable energy, maritime security, and technological innovation.<\/p>\n<p>Oman&#8217;s hosting of the Conference reflects its leading role in promoting regional and international cooperation in the Indian Ocean. It also underscores the Sultanate\u2019s commitment to constructive dialogue and sustainable partnerships to ensure a more prosperous future for all.<\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=691842412  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlzlkxvcvliz.i.optimole.com\/cb:ghTT.1f99\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/g:sm\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02398-800x533-1.jpg\"  decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-72496 size-fusion-800\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/\u0633\u0644\u0637\u0646\u0629-\u0639\u0645\u0627\u0646-\u062a\u0633\u062a\u0636\u064a\u0641-\u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u062a\u0645\u0631-\u0627\u0644\u062b\u0627\u0645\u0646-\u0644\u0644\u0645\u062d\/?lang=ar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Oman&#8217;s Foreign Minister told the Conference it would help strengthen maritime partnerships and foster dialogue on shared concerns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22063,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[76,111],"tags":[260,261,329,987],"class_list":["post-22062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-posts-and-videos","category-news","tag-india-en","tag-indian-ocean-conference-en","tag-his-highness-sayyid-theyazin-en","tag-blue-economy-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22062","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22062"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22373,"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22062\/revisions\/22373"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22063"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22062"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fm.gov.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}