Sayyid Badr affirms support for the ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Jeddah: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, Foreign Minister reiterated Oman's firm stance in support of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Heading the Omani delegation at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sayyid Badr demanded complete withdrawal by the Israeli occupation forces, return of the displaced civilians, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of Gaza.

The foreign minister warned against any attempt to displace the Palestinian citizens from their territories or violation of their rights.

He also reaffirmed Oman's support for the efforts of OIC member states to confront Israeli aggression, emphasising the need for an effective international mechanism to stop violations, protect civilians, lift the siege of Gaza, and hold Israeli officials accountable for war crimes.

The extraordinary meeting of the OIC was chaired by Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister of External Relations of Cameroon and the current Chairman of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, with the participation of several foreign ministers.

Attendees from Oman included Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al-Maskari, Head of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Regional Neighbours Department, and Minister Plenipotentiary Salem bin Mohammed Al-Busaidi, Consul General of Oman and Deputy Permanent Representative to the OIC in Jeddah, along with other Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.

Sayyid Badr met with Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the sidelines of the extraordinary OIC meeting in Jeddah.

The discussion covered bilateral relations between the two countries, ways to enhance mutual cooperation, and exchanged views on the rapidly evolving regional and international developments. They emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts to find peaceful and just solutions to various conflicts and disputes, and to enhance opportunities for security, stability, and peace for all.

Sayyid Badr also met with Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and exchanged views on several regional and international developments.

The two ministers discussed aspects of diplomatic cooperation between their countries, confirming their commitment to continued support and development of economic and investment partnership, along with cultural and scientific cooperation programmes.

Several officials from both sides attended the meetings.