Minister says foreign plans for Palestine often unjust and unsustainable

Plans for the future of Palestine are often based on values that make them unsustainable and unjust, Oman’s Foreign Minister told an audience in Muscat.

In a speech to an international delegation of young company executives Sayyid Badr Albusaidi expressed concern at the rise of antagonism, hate speech, discrimination and double standards on the world stage, describing this as not only troubling but also unproductive.

“Foreign plans for the future governance of Palestine are often rooted in antagonism,” said the Minister.

“This makes them unsustainable and unjust, by denying the Palestinians the right to choose their own leaders,” he added.

Addressing the opening session of the Young Presidents’ Organisation 2025 retreat in Oman, Sayyid Badr also set out the vision and principles of openness, neutrality and mutual respect that shape Oman’s foreign Policy.

He said that policies based on antagonism impede conflict resolution.

“Far too many make it a point of principle not to talk to their enemies. They see dialogue as a reward to withhold from parties with whom they disagree. Whose perspective and behaviour they do not understand,” he said.

Sayyid Badr added that many governments have a vision for peace in Palestine based on a two-state solution. But they do not recognise the State of Palestine because of their condemnation of Hamas.

This blinds them to the group’s legitimate demands, he said, adding that in many cases Hamas shares these demands with the Palestinian people who are seeking the right to security and self-determination – rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“So, if we are to find lasting solutions, we have to be willing to talk to those with whom we disagree. And, importantly, to listen,” he added.

In a wide-ranging speech at Oman’s National Museum, Sayyid Badr also spoke about the principles that underpin Oman’s foreign policy and how they are deeply rooted in Omani history and Omani values,

“We believe in creating spaces for dialogue, where conflict is resolved pragmatically, and common interests unite diverse perspectives,” he said.

“In Oman, hospitality is more than an act of kindness. It is a way of life. To welcome someone into our homes, our communities, and our nation is to recognise our potential to enrich each other’s lives, he added

“In this sense, hospitality is diplomacy in action. It is the first step toward fostering meaningful relationships,” the Minister said.

Diplomacy he added is the art of balance and Oman is a land of connection bridging continents, cultures and ideas.

“For centuries, our shores welcomed explorers, traders, and thinkers from across the seas. Their exchange of perspectives shaped our national identity, as well as how we engage with the world,” he said.

“Diplomacy, to us, is not just an instrument of foreign policy. It is woven into the fabric of our DNA,” added the Minister.

The Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) is a global community of more than 35,000 company executives. A YPO delegation is currently visiting Oman.

To view the full text of the speech click here.

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