New York, USA – Oman reiterated on Saturday that a just peace is a cornerstone for lasting security, stability and development in an address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Delivering Oman’s speech, H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, stressed that the international community faces pressing humanitarian and political challenges that demand collective responsibility and cooperation. He underlined the fact that Oman has consistently set out clear positions on global priorities, including tackling the climate crisis, the transition to clean energy, and the pursuit of opportunities in trade and sustainable development.

H E Sayyid Badr highlighted the Palestinian crisis as the foremost humanitarian and political issue, stating that decades of suffering must end with the implementation of the two-state solution, which he described as the “only just and lasting path to peace”. He made Oman’s call again for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, stressing that recognition of Palestine is the most crucial step at this stage.

Oman, he said, values the governments that have taken the step to recognise Palestine, as it reinforces respect for international law and aligns with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He reaffirmed Oman’s firm policy of promoting security and peace in the region through dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the UN’s founding, H E Sayyid Badr noted that while the organisation embodies the global commitment to peace, Israel continues to disregard international appeals and refuses to engage in serious negotiations. He urged the international community to intensify pressure on Israel to cease its policies of occupation, blockade and collective punishment, and to recognise that genuine peace can only be achieved through dialogue and mutual respect.

He further called for a peaceful global campaign to lift the siege on the Palestinian people and support the establishment of their sovereign state.

Reaffirming Oman’s position on regional stability, H E Sayyid Badr expressed solidarity with Qatar following recent Israeli aggression and condemned Israeli attacks on Iran, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon. He urged the imposition of sanctions on Israel for its violations of international law.

Turning to broader challenges, H E Sayyid Badr stressed the importance of empowering the UN Secretary-General and strengthening international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted education, health, digital transformation, innovation and job security as Omani priorities, alongside empowering youth as the driving force for future growth and the knowledge economy.

He concluded by warning that the world is facing one of its most complex and difficult periods, with crises mounting and challenges intersecting in unprecedented ways. In such circumstances, he said, the inability of the international community to take decisive action undermines prospects for peace, stability and sustainable development.