Muscat – During a joint press conference in Muscat, the H E Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi underscored the vital importance of achieving a definitive agreement and a political solution to reduce regional tensions.

Both ministers stressed the necessity of intensifying international efforts to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, ensuring the smooth flow of maritime transport and energy supplies.

H E Sayyid Badr noted that economic relations form a key pillar of the bilateral partnership, welcoming the rising interest and involvement of Japanese corporations in Oman across sectors such as energy, low-carbon technologies, renewable solutions, logistics, and infrastructure.

Furthermore, Oman expressed its aspiration for positive outcomes regarding the free trade agreement discussions between Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council member states, which would enhance bilateral commerce, investment, and supply chain security.

Addressing regional security, the Foreign minister stated that sustainable stability in the Strait of Hormuz requires enduring peace, diplomacy, and the active addressing of root causes such as exclusion policies.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Foreign Minister expressed deep appreciation for Oman’s stable, long-term supplies of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, confirming that Tokyo is currently preparing a comprehensive cooperation plan to bolster economic resilience and energy security amidst ongoing Middle Eastern developments, while emphasizing the critical need for constructive talks to lower tensions regarding Iran and ensure safe maritime routes in both the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.