The Minister of Economy of Oman, Dr. Said bin Muhammad Al-Saqri, confirmed his country's full solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of the difficult circumstances due to the Israeli aggression.

In his speech at the opening session of the Economic and Social Council at the ministerial preparatory level for the Arab Summit (33) in Manama, Al-Saqri urged the world to take swift action to stop this violence, as he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and adherence to human rights and the right to a decent life for the Palestinian people.

He also urged countries and international organizations, led by the Arab League, to provide humanitarian assistance and support Palestinians in facing all the challenges they are suffering from.

He emphasized the Sultanate of Oman’s position under the guidance of its wise leadership regarding the importance of expanding the horizons of economic and trade cooperation with Arab countries, and he reiterated its commitment and full support for efforts that contribute to strengthening Arab joint action and achieving sustainable development.

He clarified that the topics on the agenda of this meeting represent an important opportunity to elevate the level of Arab joint cooperation, and to seek to develop a clear plan for achieving further progress and prosperity for Arab countries, through giving significant attention and focus to doubling efforts to enhance joint cooperation to establish the Arab Customs Union; and to remove all challenges and trade obstacles that hinder the movement of exports and imports between Arab countries.

He pointed to the necessity of enhancing joint work to remove the obstacles facing the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, given its great importance in promoting economic growth and strengthening inter-Arab trade in light of the current global Arab economic challenges. He called for the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation in the field of financial technology, innovation, digital transformation as well as in the health sector and food and water security and sustainable development.

He pointed to the significant challenges facing development and the economy, and the geopolitical tensions at the global level, which necessitate collective action to enhance Arab economic integration, and to exchange knowledge and expertise to confront and overcome these common challenges, thus promoting understanding and contributing to the formulation of effective solutions; to reach the ultimate goal of building a better future for the Arab homeland, satisfying the aspirations of its peoples.