Muscat – Foreign Ministry convened its sixth annual meeting with ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Oman on Monday, outlining the sultanate’s economic direction, foreign policy priorities and position on regional issues.

H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, thanked the diplomatic corps for their support and cooperation with Oman, noting the opening of several missions in the past two years, including the embassies of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine, as well as the World Bank office. He said this expanding diplomatic presence reflects growing partnerships with the sultanate.

H E Sayyid Badr briefed envoys on the economic pathways under Vision 2040, highlighting plans to increase international trade, attract foreign direct investment, support joint ventures and advance technological development, with strong focus on green transformation. He said Oman aims to position itself as one of the region’s most attractive countries to live, work, invest and visit.

He also discussed the government’s decision to move towards a personal income tax, describing it as part of a long-term effort to build sustainable revenue sources as dependence on oil and gas declines. He said a fair contribution by citizens will reinforce social cohesion and support national development.

The minister pointed to Oman’s ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as an important step in aligning national legislation with global human rights frameworks. He said human development remains at the centre of policymaking and is a key measure of quality of life.

Diplomats were also briefed on cooperation priorities, including expanding international partnerships, maintaining regional stability and supporting dialogue as a foundation for conflict resolution.

Palestine issue

Addressing the situation in the Palestinian territories, H E Sayyid Badr described conditions in Gaza as tragic and stressed the fact that Israel’s continued violations of international law pose the most serious challenge to regional stability. He welcomed decisions by several states to accord full diplomatic recognition to Palestine, saying their position strengthens global support for Palestinian self-determination.

Referring to the ceasefire agreement reached on October 9, he appreciated the United States, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and Palestinian representatives for their role in achieving it. He noted, however, that repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, raising serious concerns about its commitment to the agreement.

H E Sayyid Badr said the international community must exert effective pressure to ensure the ceasefire is respected as a minimum requirement for protecting civilians and enabling any meaningful political process. He stressed that Palestinians must be genuinely represented in future political arrangements, and that no governance structure for Gaza should be imposed externally or exclude any Palestinian faction, as this would undermine prospects for a unified leadership and a viable peace process.

The meeting concluded with ambassadors and mission heads appreciating the annual engagement and their commitment to continued cooperation with Oman.