Activities of Secretary-General in Oman, 14 February

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Oman from the United Arab Emirates early on Tuesday, 14 February, from Abu Dhabi.

While in Muscat, he met with the Deputy Prime Minister Fahad Mahmoud al Said and then had a separate meeting with Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, the Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs.  In discussions with the two men, the Secretary-General commended Oman for the important role it plays in the region as a mediator.  They exchanged views on the current situation in Yemen.  They discussed the state of the ongoing peace process and how to find a constructive path to resolving the current conflict so as to bring an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people.  The Secretary-General thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for Oman’s continuing support to the work of the United Nations in the region and beyond.

Afterwards, in brief remarks to the press, the Secretary-General saluted Oman’s role as a mediator.  He said Oman was a country that had always been in the front line of mediation trying to make sure peace is possible.

Speaking of the Yemeni conflict, the Secretary-General said he wanted to serve and support the efforts of all those who want peace to be re-established in Yemen for people to be able to overcome the present tragedy.

Following his official meetings, the Secretary-General visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque of Muscat, as well as the Royal Opera House.

Before leaving Oman the Secretary-General and his delegation were hosted at a dinner by the Minister Responsible for Foreign Relations.  He arrived in Doha, Qatar, late on Tuesday night.