Oman to Host Indian Ocean Conference Amidst Regional Focus

Oman is set to host the eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) on Sunday and Monday, focusing on "Creating a Shared Future of Maritime Cooperation." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a press conference to discuss the global event. Sayyid Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs, indicated the conference will be held under the patronage of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, with participation from ministers and officials representing 60 countries and international organizations from the Indian Ocean region. His Excellency emphasized that Oman's hosting of this conference is not the first initiative, as it is one of the founding countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), established in 1997, in addition to hosting several conferences related to seas and blue economy. He stated that the aim of this conference is to enhance cooperation in various economic and security aspects among countries in the Indian Ocean region, in addition to countries that have interests in this region, as it reflects Oman's interest in enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and its support for sustainable trade and developing cooperation among countries, enhancing economic interests, sustaining regional resources, and improving transportation and maritime security opportunities. He pointed out that the conference aims to inform countries and participants of the capabilities that Oman enjoys in various aspects, including the basic infrastructure and the facilities that enhance Oman's position as an attractive investment destination. His Excellency noted that this conference is an indication of the strategic and distinguished relationship that Oman enjoys with the Republic of India and the initiatives that contribute to strengthening these relations, adding that activities accompanying the conference will include bilateral meetings between His Excellency the Foreign Minister and his counterparts from the participants in the conference, during which aspects of cooperation in maritime fields between Oman and these countries will be discussed. Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation, stated that foreign ministers from 27 countries will present their countries' visions on common security challenges and ways to enhance maritime cooperation, indicating that the aim of the conference is to create partnerships and develop cooperation between various participating countries and organizations. He clarified that the countries in the Indian Ocean region account for approximately 3 billion people and 70% of global maritime trade passes through this region. The conference will address enhancing maritime partnerships, improving trade relations, supporting sustainable development and security-related issues, ensuring freedom of navigation, and leveraging modern technology to enhance maritime security and governance. The conference is considered a prominent international platform that brings together heads of governments and senior officials at the highest levels, as well as specialists, academics, and experts to discuss vital issues affecting the Indian Ocean region, such as maritime security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and geopolitics. The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is a prominent international event, with its inaugural edition launched in 2016, aiming to provide a platform to enhance cooperation between Indian Ocean region countries and global powers that have strategic interests in the region. Countries such as Oman, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Singapore have played a pivotal role in its activities.