NEW YORK: Oman’s Foreign Minister His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at UN headquarters in New York, with talks focusing on regional and international developments and efforts to strengthen diplomatic responses to ongoing crises.

During the meeting, held as Oman participates in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Sayyid Badr conveyed greetings from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Guterres and wished him success in carrying out his international and humanitarian responsibilities.

Guterres, in turn, conveyed his greetings and best wishes to His Majesty and expressed his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Omani people.

The two sides discussed cooperation between Oman and the United Nations, including efforts to build confidence and develop sustainable understandings that could strengthen regional security and create firmer foundations for peace.

Guterres expressed appreciation for Oman’s role in facilitating dialogue and bringing differing positions closer together, praising what he described as the Sultanate’s approach based on wisdom and balance and its contribution to UN efforts to promote peaceful settlements and humanitarian initiatives.

The meeting also reviewed regional and international developments and ways to create greater space for diplomatic engagement to contain crises and limit their repercussions.

The discussions stressed the importance of protecting civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflicts.