New York, USA – Oman called for dialogue, restraint and respect for national sovereignty to resolve regional conflicts, warning at the UN General Assembly that escalating tensions had threatened navigation, trade and energy security through the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Foreign Minister H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said dialogue was the best means of overcoming differences, building trust and reaching agreements.

“Dialogue is the true value capable of reminding us of what unites us, as well as being the best means to dispel differences, build trust and understandings, and resolve issues and crises,” H E Sayyid Badr said.

He reaffirmed Oman’s policy of seeking peaceful and consensual solutions to disputes, guided by principles aimed at promoting security, stability and economic development.

H E Sayyid Badr said refraining from the use of force and interference in the internal affairs of states, while respecting the UN Charter, international law, sovereignty and independence, could provide a basis for more stable international relations.

Turning to the Gulf, he said a war in the region earlier this year “could have been avoided”, while subsequent escalation had threatened the security of regional states and disrupted navigation and trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

The disruption, he said, had affected energy security, price stability and confidence in the international order.

Oman reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding navigation through Hormuz in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, while calling on all parties to cooperate in protecting the interests of those using the vital waterway.

H E Sayyid Badr also expressed solidarity with neighbouring countries, including the GCC states, in measures taken to protect their security, sovereignty and territories.

At the same time, he urged the parties involved in outstanding disputes to exercise restraint and pursue political solutions and lasting understandings through dialogue.

On Yemen, Oman renewed its support for a political settlement that preserves the country’s unity, stability and territorial integrity and reflects the aspirations of its people.

On Palestine, Oman reiterated its rejection of continuing Israeli attacks affecting Arab countries and condemned violations against Palestinians.

He also highlighted the Muscat Plan of Action to counter hate speech, genocide, atrocity crimes and incitement. The initiative was launched at the UN headquarters in New York on June 11 with broad international participation.

Muscat will host an event in November to mark the International Day for Tolerance, with Oman seeking further international partnerships on tolerance and prevention of hate-driven violence.

H E Sayyid Badr concluded by thanking UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his efforts to uphold the UN Charter and international law, reaffirming Oman’s support for the organisation and its objectives.