Sultanate of Oman reiterates the necessity of keeping vital waterways open and available for navigation

Oman reaffirmed on Friday its firm position that vital waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, must remain open and accessible for navigation, free from any measures that could impede freedom of navigation and the flow of international trade.

In a statement, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this stance was expressed by Minister Badr Al Busaidi during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The statement quoted Al Busaidi as emphasizing that international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), constitutes the “foundation of maritime security.” He stressed that respecting its provisions safeguards freedom of navigation, which is of paramount importance to global trade, food security, and energy security.

In this regard, he affirmed that keeping waterways open and secure “requires responsible cooperation from coastal states and all other beneficiaries of maritime routes,” citing the existing cooperation in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore “as a model that enhances trust and consolidates collective responsibility.”

During the session dedicated to discussing “enhancing maritime security and promoting maritime cooperation,” the Omani Foreign Minister 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,” noting that the 50th anniversary of its signing underscores the enduring importance of international law, mutual respect, and peaceful cooperation.

He further affirmed that “open dialogue contributes to building stability” and that the Sultanate of Oman will continue to support and facilitate such dialogue wherever possible, in line with its commitment to settling disputes through diplomatic means.

He also reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation with ASEAN countries and contributing to the establishment of safe, stable, and prosperous maritime cooperation.

It is worth noting that Manila recently hosted the ministerial meeting to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the “Treaty of Amity and Cooperation” in Southeast Asia, attended by foreign ministers of ASEAN member states and partner countries.