New York: Oman stepped up its diplomatic engagements at the United Nations General Assembly, with Foreign Minister H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi meeting counterparts and senior officials from Djibouti, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Belarus, India and Portugal.

The meetings focused on bilateral cooperation, regional security, maritime navigation and efforts to contain escalating tensions through diplomacy and dialogue. Oman is participating in the 81st UN General Assembly in New York from September 22 to 28, with Sayyid Badr heading the Sultanate’s delegation.

During talks with Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdulkader Hussein Omar, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

They also exchanged views on developments in the region and the Horn of Africa, stressing the importance of addressing challenges through peaceful means while preserving regional security and stability.

H.E. Sayyid Badr also met Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and congratulated the country on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. Sobers is part of Trinidad and Tobago’s delegation attending the UN General Assembly in New York.

The two ministers discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance coordination at international forums, with emphasis on peaceful solutions and respect for international law.

Regional developments were also at the centre of H.E. Sayyid Badr’s meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Donald Blome.

The discussions covered efforts to contain escalation, maintain channels of communication and create conditions for continued diplomatic engagement, particularly on issues affecting regional security and maritime navigation. Blome has been participating in meetings surrounding the UN General Assembly in New York.

The American side praised Oman’s role in supporting dialogue and facilitating communication between parties, while both sides reviewed Omani-US cooperation and stressed the importance of continued consultation on issues of common interest.

In a separate meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Vladimirovich Reznikov, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation programmes as well as economic and investment partnerships.

Discussions also focused on using the Joint Committee for Cooperation and Investment to advance partnerships between institutions in both countries, alongside opportunities to boost trade and tourism through easier travel arrangements.

H.E. Sayyid Badr also held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, focusing on regional and international developments and their impact on maritime security, energy supplies and global supply chains.

The ministers stressed the importance of maintaining diplomatic efforts aimed at finding practical and mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues and reducing regional tensions.

Meanwhile, discussions with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel covered regional developments and Portugal’s upcoming term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028. Portugal has also been engaging Gulf partners in New York on regional security, including maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab.

The two ministers highlighted the need to coordinate political and diplomatic efforts to contain crises and encourage direct dialogue between the parties concerned.

On bilateral ties, Oman and Portugal agreed on the importance of increasing exchanges of visits and expertise and expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation, while exploring opportunities linked to the two countries’ strategic locations, seaports and logistics capabilities.