Oman – Meeting between Jean-Noël Barrot and Sayyid badr Albusaidi, minister of foreign Affairs of the sultanate of oman

Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting in Muscat with his counterpart from the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. 

The two ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East. They highlighted the need to consolidate the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon and make headway on a lasting political settlement guaranteeing regional peace and stability.

The Minister reiterated France’s very strong condemnation of the attacks Iran has carried out on its neighbours. He reaffirmed France’s solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman in this regard. 

The Minister reaffirmed France’s commitment to de-escalation and a diplomatic solution. He called for the unconditional, unrestricted and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and reiterated France’s willingness to contribute – when conditions allow and together with its partners – to guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the strait, as part of the Franco-British initiative.

The Minister emphasized that a diplomatic solution was essential in order to guarantee that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons and to address the threats posed by its ballistic and drone programmes and its destabilization activities. He expressed France’s readiness to support all efforts to this end.

Finally, the two ministers reaffirmed their desire to continue their close coordination in order to contribute to regional stability and the ongoing diplomatic efforts.