Oman and Japan stress the importance of reaching a final agreement to reduce regional tensions
Muscat, Aug 20 (KUNA) -- The foreign ministers of the Sultanate of Oman, Badr Al Busaidi, and Japan, Toshimitsu Motegi, affirmed today the importance of reaching a final agreement and a political solution that leads to a reduction in tensions in the region. The two ministers, in a joint press conference held in the Omani capital Muscat, stressed the need to intensify international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, and to guarantee the smooth flow of maritime transport and energy supplies.
For his part, Al Busaidi stated that the Sultanate of Oman is "firm" in its commitment to maritime security and international law, and to rejecting further escalation or conflict. He added that achieving sustainable security in the Strait of Hormuz requires establishing lasting peace in the region through self-restraint, diplomacy, and continuous engagement to address the root causes of instability, including "exclusionary policies and non-compliance with international law." He affirmed his country’s determination to continue working with Japan and all international partners to support dialogue, justice, and peaceful solutions, emphasizing that partnerships based on trust, realism, and diplomacy are gaining increasing importance amid the uncertainty affecting the region and the world.
On bilateral relations with Japan, Al Busaidi said that economic ties represent an important pillar of the partnership between the two countries, expressing his welcome for the growing interest and participation of Japanese companies in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in the energy, renewable and low-carbon technologies, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. He also expressed Oman’s hope for a positive outcome regarding discussions on a free trade agreement between Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, noting that reaching such an agreement would contribute to enhancing bilateral trade and investment, as well as supply chain security, thereby delivering mutual benefits to the peoples of both countries.
For his part, the Japanese Foreign Minister affirmed his country’s work with the Sultanate of Oman to enhance cooperation across a wide range of fields, expressing his country’s appreciation for Oman’s stable and long-term supplies of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). He also stressed the determination of both countries to strengthen cooperation in clean energy, including the development of hydrogen and ammonia sectors. He noted that Japan is currently preparing a comprehensive cooperation plan to enhance economic resilience and energy security in light of the current situation in the Middle East.
Regarding the situation concerning Iran, he described it as witnessing a "very critical phase," expressing his hope for further constructive talks to de-escalate tensions as soon as possible and to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while enhancing coordination in this regard. (End) M.J.B. / T.M.A.
