Muscat: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Foreign Minister, conducted a series of meetings today with his international counterparts during the 8th Indian Ocean Conference.
The discussions included Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism from Sri Lanka; DN Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan; Miyaji Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; Touhid Hossain, Adviser for Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh; Dr. Rana Arzu Deuba, Foreign Minister of Nepal; Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran; and Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
The focus of the meetings was on enhancing economic and investment ties. Participants emphasized the significance of collaboration in areas such as the blue economy, trade, energy, and tourism. They also explored opportunities for growth in marine technology, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, along with sharing expertise in sustainable natural resource management.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister engaged with his counterparts on strategies to bolster maritime security in the Indian Ocean, recognized as a vital corridor for global trade. They highlighted the necessity of cooperation to tackle regional issues, including piracy, smuggling, organized crime, and the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. The meetings also assessed diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering regional stability through dialogue and coordinated efforts.
In the course of the meetings, Sayyid Badr emphasized the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to strengthening collaboration with different nations. He highlighted the significance of fostering partnerships through reciprocal visits and involvement in global events, such as Expo 2025 in Osaka. This event presents a valuable opportunity to bolster economic and technological cooperation while promoting the application of modern innovations to attain sustainable development.
