MUSCAT: Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, has officially thanked Oman for its part in enabling the safe departure of a Singaporean woman and her two young children from war-torn Iran earlier this week.
In a letter to Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Dr. Balakrishnan praised the coordinated diplomatic efforts of the Omani embassies in Tehran and Baghdad, which secured the family’s safe arrival in Oman.
"I would like to thank you and your colleagues at the Omani Embassies in Tehran and Baghdad for helping a Singaporean lady and her two young children safely depart Iran earlier this week. " "They have since arrived safely in Oman," the letter stated.
Dr. Balakrishnan specifically thanked Counsellor Nejood Al Khasibi for her coordination with the Singapore Embassy in Muscat, emphasizing the Omani side's "prompt and effective assistance" as evidence of "the professionalism of Oman’s diplomatic service and the strong friendship between our two countries. "
Singapore, he emphasised, remains extremely worried about the continuing rise of tensions in the Middle East and applauded Oman’s continued mediation efforts.
"The various mediation efforts, including your good self, are crucial for deescalation. " "I wish you every success," he said, offering Singapore's support if necessary.
The diplomatic gesture highlights Oman's long history as a neutral mediator and a secure conduit for humanitarian diplomacy, particularly in crisis areas throughout the region.
