Foreign Minister's speech to Russia-Gulf Strategic Dialogue meeting

Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, delivered a speech at the opening of the Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Russian-Gulf Strategic Dialogue as follows:

“At the outset, we would like to thank Minister Lavrov for his rich speech of introduction and welcome and to express our happiness at being present in Moscow today.

“We hope that this Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC countries and the Russian Federation will contribute to deepening our understanding of our many common interests and to enhancing cooperation between us on economic, political, cultural, climate and renewable energy issues, as well as in in other areas of common interest.

“The countries of the Cooperation Council greatly appreciate the positions and efforts of the Russian Government regarding the Palestinian issue. In this regard, we would like to emphasise the centrality of the Palestinian issue. It is a strategic necessity to solve it and end one of the most important causes of instability in the region.

“We condemn Israeli practices and violations that target the lives, property and the very presence on their land of Palestinians. It is vitally important to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement of this issue, to find a real, effective, just and comprehensive peace.

“We believe this peace should be based on the two-state solution, in accordance with the rules of international law and the relevant resolutions of the international community and the UN Security Council, in a way that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the borders of 1967, as stipulated in international resolutions.

“We also follow with interest developments in the situation in the sisterly Republic of Sudan. We express our deep concern about the humanitarian and security repercussions of the crisis there.

“We affirm the need for calm, for the language of dialogue and for a search for unity. We need to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, preserve Sudanese state institutions and prevent any external interference in Sudanese affairs that fuels conflict and threatens regional peace and security.

“We would also like to reaffirm the need to achieve security and stability in the Republic of Yemen. We support international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis, with the participation of all Yemeni parties.

“In this context, the GCC renews its support for the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen and its support for the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people to establish peace and reconciliation in all parts of the country in order to achieve the security and stability that can launch a process of reconstruction and development.

“The conflict in Ukraine has repercussions on international peace and security. We believe in the importance of moving towards a peaceful solution to this conflict.

“We stress the importance of encouraging the language of dialogue and respecting the standards of international law to resolve the conflict between all parties by peaceful means and on the basis of respect for the principles of good neighbourliness and the sovereignty and independence of states.

“We in the GCC are committed to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving reconciliation and peace, to building diplomatic bridges and to enhancing communication and dialogue between the concerned parties, so that peace is achieved and security, stability and prosperity prevail, so meeting the hopes and aspirations of the two peoples and other peoples in the region.

“We meet at a time of increasing global challenges related to climate change, armed conflict and political instability. However, there are many opportunities and positive developments that we must not overlook and that we should work to develop and support.

“A good example of this is can be found in what we are witnessing in the Gulf. The region has successfully hosted the Dubai Expo and the World Cup in Qatar, Formula 1 racing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other important international events.

“The United Arab Emirates is preparing to host the 28th COP conference on tackling climate change in Dubai next November and the State of Qatar is preparing to host the Asian Cup in January 2024.

“All these events reflect the GCC countries' openness to partnership and cooperation with the world. They prove the attractiveness of our region as a safe and stable environment for investment, tourism, business, entertainment, sports and culture.

“Our region has also witnessed other important developments, such as the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“Iran is a neighbour to all the countries of the GCC. We have coexisted and worked side by side with the Iranian people throughout successive historical eras – not just for centuries, but millennia.

“Yes, short-term political differences may hinder our ability to work together, but as the recent agreement shows, we can overcome obstacles to move onto the path that helps build security, stability and lasting peaceful coexistence.

“We hope that such positive developments will enhance our capabilities to continue building the foundations of comprehensive regional cooperation based on mutual trust and common interests.

“We recognise that Russia has vital interests with our region and in the development and use of transportation facilities that enhance trade and economic communication with us and through us, with Asia and Africa. We hope that these shared interests and partnerships will lead to building a more prosperous, secure and stable future.

“The political and economic developments in the Gulf region are based on our firm respect for the sovereignty of states and the rule of law, while adopting the values of good neighbourliness, positive, constructive dialogue and an openness to partnership and mutual gain. All of these are undoubtedly among the key and essential factors for continued economic growth and prosperity for all.

In conclusion, I extend my sincere thanks to the Russian Foreign Ministry and to the General Secretariat of the GCC for their efforts in preparing for this meeting. I wish to express my utmost thanks and appreciation to our Russian friends for their warm reception and hospitality. I wish this meeting success in seeking to achieve the happiness and well-being of people in the world today.

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

This is an unofficial English translation. To view the original Arabic text please view the Arabic version here.