Manila, July 24 (QNA) - Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi stressed the importance of keeping vital waterways (particularly the Strait of Hormuz) open and secure for international shipping and trade.
He made the remarks while representing Oman at the ministerial meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, held today in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
Al Busaidi said international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), serves as a fundamental pillar of maritime security and the protection of freedom of navigation, given its critical importance to global trade, food security, and energy security.
He added that maintaining open and secure waterways requires responsible cooperation among coastal states and all other users of maritime routes, noting that the existing cooperative framework in the Strait of Malacca and the Singapore Strait provides a model that strengthens trust and reinforces shared responsibility.
The Omani foreign minister also expressed his country's appreciation for its growing partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and for the principles underpinning the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. He said the treaty's 50th anniversary underscores the enduring importance of international law, mutual respect, and peaceful cooperation.
He reaffirmed Oman's commitment to supporting and facilitating dialogue and resolving disputes through diplomatic means, adding that the Sultanate will continue to strengthen maritime cooperation with ASEAN member states and contribute to the security, stability, and prosperity of key maritime routes. (QNA)