A Downing Street Spokesperson said:
“Prime Minister spoke to the Sultan of Oman,
His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik al Said, this morning.
“He welcomed the long friendship between the UK and Oman,
stretching back centuries, and committed to continue deepening
that partnership in areas including trade, defence and security.
“The leaders discussed the ongoing Houthi attacks against
commercial shipping in the Red Sea, agreeing that it was vital
for international security and stability to deescalate tensions
in the region.
“The Prime Minister stressed that military action was a last
resort in the face of intolerable threats to global shipping, and
followed consistent international warnings. The UK continued to
urge the Houthis to end their reckless attacks.
“The Prime Minister also raised the UK’s position on the
devastating conflict in Gaza. He said the immediate priority was
agreeing a humanitarian pause to allow more aid to be delivered
across Gaza and to secure the release of all hostages.
“The UK was pushing for more routes to be opened to bring far
greater quantities of aid into the suffering civilian population,
including maritime routes.
“He reiterated the UK’s support for progress towards a viable two
state solution, where Palestinians and Israelis can live in
dignity and security. That would require Israel’s security to be
guaranteed, Hamas no longer in charge in Gaza, and a bolstered
Palestinian Authority. The leaders agreed on the importance of
international cooperation to reach a sustainable long-term
settlement to the crisis.
“The Prime Minister closed the call by reaffirming his personal
commitment to building on the long UK-Oman relationship, and the
leaders looked forward to working closely together in the
future.”
