MANILA: Oman’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, met UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in Manila on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional security and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.

The meeting took place as part of events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, according to Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sayyid Badr and Ed Miliband reviewed the longstanding strategic partnership between Oman and the United Kingdom and explored ways to expand cooperation in areas of shared priority.

The ministers also exchanged views on the evolving security situation in the region, stressing the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire, resume negotiations and promote dialogue to reduce tensions.

They further underscored the need to ensure the freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, recognising its importance to global trade and energy security.