His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighted the significance of ensuring freedom of maritime navigation and maritime security, as well as the necessity of enhancing regional and international cooperation to secure maritime supply chains.
This was stated in a press release issued by the GCC General Secretariat on the occasion of HE the Secretary General’s participation in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, themed "Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”, held on Sunday (February 16, 2025), in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of a select group of senior government officials, including heads of governments, ministers and decision-makers.
At the beginning of the statement, HE the Secretary General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of Oman, for hosting this important conference in its eighth edition, which highlights many maritime issues through constructive discussions and the exchange of views to achieve the interests of the participating countries, thereby enhancing regional stability and prosperity.
He also mentioned that the Indian Ocean Conference serves as a strategic platform for exchanging visions on the future of the blue economy, addressing the challenges facing the Indian Ocean region, supporting sustainable development, maritime security issues and utilising modern technology to enhance port security.
Moreover, His Excellency praised the remarks made by His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, calling for the strengthening of multilateral cooperation to address modern maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and transnational crime, and underscoring the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In conclusion, HE the Secretary General commended the significant efforts of Oman in organising the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, wishing success to those involved in achieving the desired goals and producing outcomes and recommendations that contribute to enhancing the assurance of freedom of maritime navigation, maritime security, economic development and environmental sustainability.
