Minister's speech on “Diplomacy – Neutrality and Influence”

Text of a speech delivered by Oman's Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, to a delegation from the Young Presidents Organisation at the National Museum of Oman, Muscat on Friday, January 31, 2025:

“It is a pleasure to welcome you all to Muscat, and to the Sultanate of Oman’s National Museum. Thank you to the Young Presidents’ Organisation for coordinating this event, and congratulations on your 75th anniversary.

“I hope this session will give you an insight into Omani diplomacy, and that it will inspire you to connect with people here, in the spirit of mutual respect and open minded collaboration.

“After all, you are here because of one shared purpose: to become role models, leaders and to bond as good friends.

“Diplomacy is the art of balance, and we try to practice this art in Oman throughout our history.

“This is a land of connection, a bridge between 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.

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

“Omani diplomacy has long been guided by principles of openness, neutrality and mutual respect.

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

“This philosophy is deeply rooted in our history.

“Let me give you an example.

“I hope, while you are here, you will visit the museum’s Aflaj Gallery.

“In this room, you will learn about Oman’s ancient irrigation network. Channels, called aflaj, pass from village to village, carrying water for drinking, for washing, cooking and agriculture.

“For thousands of years, they were central to the survival of mountain communities. And they were a formative influence on our foreign policy.

“In diplomacy, Oman rejects binary oppositions, zero sum games, and elective non communication.

“In our view, such strategies are rooted in a flawed mindset: one of competition, not partnership. They reflect a determination to weaken others so as to elevate oneself.

“But thousands of years ago, Oman’s villagers developed a different mindset.

“Instead of combat, they used conversation, consultations, reciprocity, and pragmatism to reach agreements on water sharing. In other words, they learned to be good neighbours.

“Over time, these communities developed a language which is still used to this day. They would send signals upstream to communicate water needs. They placed piles of stones on the crest of nearby hills. When the sun and stones aligned, it was time to redirect the water to another village.

“Rather than fighting for this scarce and vital resource, they divided labour, boosted trade, and fostered an environment of equality, trust and partnership.

“This provided the framework for efficient water use, aflaj maintenance, agricultural diversity and regional peace. Their policy was dialogue and consultation. Neutrality. Respect.

“This approach to diplomacy is now more important than ever. We face challenges from climate change to poverty and inequality, from forced migration to human trafficking and disease.

“We have a shared responsibility to solve these challenges. But, more importantly, we have a shared interest in doing so.

“So the rising influence of antagonism, hate speech, discrimination and double standards on the world stage is not only deeply troubling, but counterproductive.

“Take climate change.

“When states fear that others will gain an economic advantage, they become unwilling to make ambitious commitments.

“This ‘lowest common denominator’ approach comes at the expense of bold, effective solutions.

“Because of nationalist rivalries, we settle for the least challenging consensus. This jeopardises our collective future.

“We have a shared interest in mitigating climate change. So, we must cultivate an encouraging approach, in which we prioritise the long term future over medium term economic gains.

“Policies based on antagonism also 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.

“Their refusal to engage constructively exacerbates hostility, deepens distrust, and prevents resolutions. They reject the one path which may lead to peace and understanding.

“We have seen this in relation to Palestine.

“Governments across the globe have their own visions for peace. In most cases, this vision involves the concept of having a two states solution.

“Yet many still do not recognise the State of Palestine.

“Their condemnation of Hamas blinds them to the group’s legitimate demands, such as statehood. In many cases, Hamas shares these demands with the Palestinian people.

“They demand the right to security. The right to self determination. Essentially, the rights and protections enshrined in international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Foreign plans for the future governance of Palestine are often rooted in antagonism. This makes them unsustainable and unjust, by denying the Palestinians the right to choose their own leaders.

“The region will not have lasting peace and stability until the Palestinians have justice.

“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.

“As Oman sees it, the key ingredient in diplomacy is trust.

“If we show clear signs that we trust our partners, if we occasionally take a leap of faith, they will reciprocate.

“In our climate change example, this means ambitious goals.

“In Oman, this is best captured by our green hydrogen projects. We hope to raise the bar, to inspire others to aim high in their energy transitions and climate strategies.

“And in conflict resolution, it means allowing the spirit of mutual respect to inform policymaking. For example, those interfering in Red Sea shipping say they will stop if the violence against Palestine stops.

“A balanced assessment would surely find that trust in their word, not deadly escalation, has the best chance of securing our seas and building peace.

“I hope this explains Oman’s emphasis on dialogue, tolerance, and strategic engagement.

“I sincerely believe that there is far more uniting our world than dividing it.

“I encourage you to prioritise common goals, and trust pragmatically but boldly.

“Trust begins with hospitality.

“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.

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

“Ladies and gentlemen, look around you. You will see people who inspire change. Who shape the future. Who look outwards, engage globally and embrace ideas that challenge and expand their perspectives.

“Such qualities are at the heart of Oman’s vision for growth and partnership.

“For centuries, Oman has been known as a destination, beautiful for travellers, rewarding for traders, and hospitable to all. And now our focus has expanded, with expertise in clean energy, sustainable tourism and cutting edge technologies.

“Through Vision 2040, we are diversifying our economy, investing in innovation and creating an environment where global partnerships thrive.

“We have a number of opportunities for joint ventures in fields such as mining, logistics, food security and financial services. And, as you will no doubt see during this retreat, an incredibly diverse array of tourist experiences. From ziplining in canyons, to desert camps and to diving with the turtles, to mention but a few.

“We view everyone who sets foot in Oman as a friend, so the safety of tourists and the security of investors alike is assured.

“Now more than ever, Oman stands as a platform for collaboration and opportunity.

“We looked outwards. We set strategic goals. And we transform.

“I hope that you will see this for yourselves during your stay, as you explore Oman, meet our people, and get a sense of the spirit and character of this country.

“What you will find is a nation proud of its heritage but not bound by it. One that values tradition while embracing progress. Whose people openly share their culture, their ideas and their dreams with the world.

“I have no doubt that YPO members are well positioned to make a meaningful difference.

“You are not only leaders of the future, but also architects of narratives. Your ideas, innovations and influence can shape the future.

Dear friends, let this gathering be a reminder of the power of connection. Between individuals, between industries and between states. I hope that you can share my admiration for the potential of collaboration, and find some food for thought in the principles of Omani diplomacy.

“I invite you to see Oman not just as a host, but as a partner and a friend.

“Together, we can create a future defined by inclusivity, mutual respect and prosperity.

“The challenges we face are great, but so too is our shared capacity to overcome them.

“I hope this retreat will spark new ideas and foster valuable partnerships.

“I look forward to the outcomes in the months and years to come.

“This museum houses our past. Its exhibitions explain our present. And, here in this room, are the people who will help build our shared future.

“Thank you.”