Oman at GCC–United Kingdom ministerial meeting in New York

Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi took part in the joint ministerial meeting between the countries of the  Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Kingdom, held on the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his intervention, Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi underlined the depth of the historic relations linking Oman and the GCC countries with the United Kingdom, and the growing cooperation in defence, security, trade, renewable energy, logistics and communications. He noted that this partnership benefits the security and stability of both regions and opens wider possibilities for cooperation in education, technology and culture.

He expressed the GCC’s hope for the success of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, describing it as a solid framework that would unlock the full potential of the existing economic partnership and boost investment flows and trade – already worth billions of dollars annually.

On political matters, he referred to the meeting between His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer last July, affirming that this meeting reflected the depth of consultations and shared understanding between the two friendly countries.

Oman and the GCC also welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine, considering it an important step towards justice and a key foundation for the implementation of the two-state solution. Sayyid Badr stated that confronting Israeli violations and the actions of the extremist government led by Benjamin Netanyahu requires bold practical measures, including halting military cooperation and applying serious pressure on Israel to engage in a genuine political process that ends the suffering of the Palestinian people and guarantees their legitimate rights.

He stressed that lasting security and peace can only be achieved through justice and by enabling the Palestinians to fully exercise their right to self-determination and to establish their independent state. He warned against any attempts by external powers to impose a Palestinian leadership, saying such an approach would only deepen the crisis instead of resolving it.

He concluded by affirming that Oman’s relations with the United Kingdom are based on openness, pragmatism and mutual respect, and that Oman looks forward to continuing work with the UK and the GCC to promote security, stability and a just peace in the region and the world.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.