8th Indian Ocean Conference gets underway in Oman

MUSCAT : Over two days, the conference will discuss ways to enhance maritime partnerships, improve trade links, support sustainable development and issues related to maritime security.

Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Sayyid Badr Hamad Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the importance of shared responsibility in addressing issues such as marine environment protection, freedom of navigation and resilience of coastal communities to climate change.

“The Indian Ocean is a bridge, not a barrier, and we view all countries as partners with whom we share common interests,” he stated, emphasizing Oman’s commitment to strengthening comprehensive partnership in the Indian Ocean, one that guarantees a fair share for all countries.

His Excellency called on everyone to adopt an approach based on trust and mutual respect to achieve a deeper understanding of different viewpoints, while maximising benefits from the experiences of partners, and building a more stable and prosperous future. He also pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman has been a maritime nation for thousands of years, as the ocean was a gateway for trade and cultural exchange for the ancestors, which remains so today too.

His Excellency is a member of the presidium committee for the conference, underscoring Oman’s leadership role in this initiative.

Representatives from more than 60 countries and international organizations are taking part in the ongoing conference, reflecting the region’s strategic importance and the need for collaborative solutions.
The conference aims to strengthen collaboration among nations and institutions to address shared challenges, enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable development in the region. The event is expected to host participants from over 60 countries and international organizations.

The discussions will focus on promoting regional cooperation, enhancing maritime security, amplifying the voice of the Global South, and tackling major challenges in the maritime sector. The conference will explore strategies to improve trade corridors, ensure freedom of navigation, foster environmental sustainability, and leverage technological advancements for port security and governance. Participants will also have opportunities for bilateral and multilateral engagements to strengthen relationships and identify new areas of collaboration.

The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is an annual international platform dedicated to promoting regional cooperation and addressing challenges in the Indian Ocean region. It brings together, heads of governments, senior officials, private sector representatives, scholars, and experts to discuss issues of mutual concern, including maritime security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and geopolitics. The event fosters dialogue and collaboration among countries bordering the Indian Ocean, as well as global powers with strategic interests in the region.

Since its establishment in 2016, the IOC has served as a significant forum for fostering dialogue and cooperation. Countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Singapore have played central roles in its proceedings. The conference addresses traditional security concerns, such as naval power and territorial disputes, alongside emerging challenges like climate change, natural disasters, and economic disruptions.

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