Muscat: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi has emphasized the significance of ensuring freedom of maritime navigation and security, calling for enhancing regional and international cooperation to secure maritime supply chains.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi made his remarks today at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, themed "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership," held in Muscat, Oman, with the participation of senior government officials, including heads of governments, ministers, and decision-makers.
At the beginning of his statement, Albudaiwi expressed appreciation to Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq for hosting this conference, which addresses key maritime issues through constructive discussions and the exchange of views to achieve the interests of the participating countries, enhancing regional stability and prosperity.
He noted that the Indian Ocean Conference serves as a strategic platform for exchanging perspectives on the future of the blue economy, tackling the challenges facing the Indian Ocean region, supporting sustainable development, addressing maritime security issues, and leveraging modern technology to improve port security.
Moreover, Albudaiwi praised the remarks of Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, who called for strengthening multilateral cooperation to tackle modern maritime threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime, while underscoring the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In conclusion, he commended Oman's outstanding efforts in organizing the 8th Indian Ocean Conference and wished success to all involved in achieving the desired goals, producing outcomes and recommendations that strengthen maritime navigation freedom, maritime security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.