Speech of Oman to the 78th session of the UN General Assembly
The following are the key sections from the speech delivered on behalf of the Sultanate of Oman to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York by Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, on September 23rd, 2023.
Oman's Foreign Policy
“Dialogue is a firm principle and a strong approach in the foreign policy of the Sultanate of Oman, given its effective impact in achieving reconciliation, consensus, and peace among all parties in conflict.
Here, we would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm Oman's unwavering commitment to engaging with the international community in its pursuit of a peaceful global system based on justice, fairness, and respect for the United Nations Charter, international law, and sovereignty of nations, with non-interference in their internal affairs.
In line with this commitment, my country calls upon the international community to adhere to the United Nations system in addressing conflicts, seeking peaceful resolutions through dialogue, and negotiation to build a world characterised bydignified living, prosperity, stability, security and peace.”
Palestine
“Our unity with nations lies in shared principles and goals, through which our aspirations are realised and our virtues are elevated. God willing, we will continue to support what is just and righteous.
The Palestinian cause stands at the forefront of enduring conflicts, sufferinginjustice for over seven decades. The Palestinian people stand resilient against the oppressive Israeli occupation, siege, and oppression, as well as violations of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Therefore, my country, like all peace-seeking nations and communities, sees no alternative to the resolution of this cause other than the two-state solution outlined in international legal references and resolutions, including the Arab Peace Initiative.
The United Nations bears a moral and legal responsibility to find a just and equitable solution to this issue, ensuring an end to the dire suffering endured by the Palestinian people and the restoration of their legitimate rights to freedom and self-determination. This includes the withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territories since 1967 and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
The Russia Ukraine crisis
“The ramifications surrounding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, and its security and military escalation, as well as the painful humanitarian effects, pose a significant threat to global peace, the flow of energy and food supplies, and represent a serious challenge to international cooperation and the global system based on respect for the law and the United Nations Charter. Therefore, my country calls for dialogue and peaceful negotiations on the basis of the principle of “no harm and no harm inflicted,” respecting the sovereignty of nations, good neighbourly relations and addressing the root causes of this crisis.”
Climate change
“The Sultanate of Oman is actively implementing various plans and programmes aimed at adapting to climate change and mitigating its effects. It is also working to promote investment in renewable energy projects, in line with the 2050 carbon-neutral strategy.
My country is also committed to actively participating in the upcoming session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28), scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in November.
Oman Vision 2040 serves as a gateway for my country towards sustainable development, overcoming challenges, and keeping pace with regional and global changes.”
COVID-19
“Continuous development of the education system at all levels and improving its outcomes are essential for building and empowering individuals to drive economic development and progress.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a lesson for all countries to review their mechanisms for preparedness and response to health emergencies and enhance their capabilities. One of the most important lessons learned is the significance of early readiness in dealing with public health risks and threats, as well as the importance of investing in scientific research and technological development. My country organised a global ministerial conference aimed at finding solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance and accelerating cooperation at national, regional, and international levels to mitigate this threat to public health and nations’ economic resources.
Therefore, we call on all countries to promote partnerships in research, innovation, and manufacturing to develop preventive and curative alternatives to mitigate the effects of pandemics and prevent their spread.”
Human rights
“My country is committed to upholding human rights and adhering to relevant international charters and agreements in order to develop a just international society that embraces absolute respect for human dignity, rights, and the religious and cultural values of nations.
In this context, my country rejects and condemns all incitement to violence, hatred, and discrimination based on religion or ethnicity, and calls on the international community to establish clear and explicit legislation to criminalise actions that threaten peace, social stability, national security and communities.”
Conclusion
“We are facing complex global challenges, including the escalation of the climate crisis, the spread of pandemics, drug and human trafficking, in addition to political and sectarian conflicts. Therefore, we appeal to the international community to firmly uphold the principles of justice and fairness and apply the rules of international law without double standards, so that security and confidence prevail among people, trust grows among nations and partnerships flourish between people.
In concluding, we express our wishes for the success of this session.”
Thank you.