Manila, Philippines – H E Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, led Oman’s delegation to the ministerial meeting held in Manila on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

During the meeting, the H E Sayyid Badr addressed a session on ‘Enhancing Maritime Security and Promoting Maritime Cooperation’. He began by expressing Oman’s appreciation to the Philippines for hosting the meeting and for its warm welcome and generous hospitality.

H E Sayyid Badr then spoke of Oman’s appreciation for its growing partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and for the principles underpinning the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, noting that its 50th anniversary underscores the enduring importance of international law, mutual respect and peaceful cooperation.

H E Sayyid Badr stressed that open dialogue is essential to building stability, reaffirming that Oman will continue to support and facilitate dialogue wherever possible, in line with its longstanding commitment to resolving disputes through diplomacy.

On maritime affairs, the minister reiterated Oman’s firm position that vital waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, must remain open to navigation and free from any measures that could impede freedom of navigation or disrupt international trade.

He emphasised that international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provides the foundation for maritime security, and that respect for its provisions safeguards freedom of navigation, which is vital to global trade, food security and energy security.

H E Sayyid Badr also noted that maintaining safe and open sea lanes requires responsible cooperation between coastal states and all beneficiaries of maritime routes, citing the cooperation framework in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore as a model for building confidence and reinforcing shared responsibility.

He concluded by reaffirming Oman’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with ASEAN member states and contributing to a secure, stable and prosperous maritime environment.