NEW YORK: Oman called for dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law to resolve regional and global conflicts, warning that escalating tensions have threatened security, energy supplies, trade and confidence in the international system.

Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said dialogue remained the most effective means of renewing understanding, building trust and resolving disputes. Oman is taking part in the General Assembly session from Sept. 22-28.

Sayyid Badr reaffirmed Oman’s longstanding foreign policy approach of seeking peaceful and consensual solutions to disputes, based on international law, mutual respect and cooperation.

He said developments in the region earlier this year had demonstrated how quickly escalation could threaten the security of states and disrupt navigation and trade through the Strait of Hormuz, with consequences for energy security, prices and the wider global economy.

Oman remained committed to ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said, calling on all parties to cooperate in safeguarding the interests of countries dependent on the strategic waterway.

The foreign minister also renewed Oman’s support for resolving disputes through diplomacy and political settlements, including outstanding differences involving Iran and the United States. Oman has continued diplomatic contacts with regional and international parties aimed at containing escalation and maintaining channels of communication.

On Yemen, Sayyid Badr reiterated Oman’s support for a political settlement that preserves the country’s unity, stability and territorial integrity and responds to the aspirations of the Yemeni people. He called on the parties to work towards a settlement that safeguards Yemen’s sovereignty and its relations with neighbouring countries.

Oman also reiterated its rejection of continued Israeli attacks and condemned what it described as violations against the Palestinian people, while reaffirming support for Palestinian rights and a settlement based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Sayyid Badr highlighted Oman’s “Muscat Plan”, an initiative aimed at confronting hate speech, genocide-related incitement and other forms of inflammatory rhetoric through international cooperation.

He said Muscat would host an event in November to mark the International Day for Tolerance, as part of efforts to expand partnerships with the international community and the United Nations.

The minister also highlighted Oman’s development agenda under Oman Vision 2040, including efforts to strengthen women’s participation in public life and decision-making and accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy, with a national goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Concluding his address, Sayyid Badr reiterated Oman’s support for the United Nations and thanked Secretary-General António Guterres for his efforts, saying Muscat would continue working with the organisation and its member states towards greater international security, stability and prosperity.