Muscat honours Guterres as Oman’s diplomacy gains global recognition

MUSCAT -

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Monday awarded the Oman Civil Order (First Class) to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a gesture underscoring the sultanate’s growing diplomatic stature and its close partnership with the world body.

The award, presented at Al Barakah Palace, recognised Guterres’s prominent diplomatic and political role and his efforts to promote conflict resolution, peace and international security.

Accepting the honour, Guterres expressed deep appreciation and paid tribute to Oman’s steady and pragmatic diplomacy, commending Muscat’s support for dialogue, mediation and peaceful solutions to regional and international crises. He highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and Oman to advance global stability.

Oman’s relationship with the UN has long been viewed as a key element of the country’s soft power, shaped by a foreign policy that favours neutrality, restraint and quiet engagement. This approach has enabled the sultanate to play discreet but influential roles in some of the Middle East’s most sensitive disputes, including the standoff over Iran’s nuclear programme and efforts to ease Yemen’s protracted conflict.

By avoiding polarisation and regional power blocs, Oman has often emerged as a trusted intermediary acceptable to rival parties. That credibility has made Muscat an essential partner for the United Nations, particularly in attempts to de-escalate conflicts and keep diplomatic channels open.

In Yemen, Oman’s role has been especially pronounced. In recent years, Muscat has become a central hub for UN mediation efforts, hosting frequent visits by the UN’s special envoy, Hans Grundberg. Omani diplomacy has played a crucial early role in encouraging the Houthi movement to engage in dialogue with other parties, helping lay the groundwork for a fragile peace process in one of the region’s most complex wars.

The ceremony was attended by senior Omani and UN officials, including Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Head of the Private Office Hamad bin Said al-Aufi, adviser Hussain bin Ali Abdullatif, UN Undersecretary-General Gilles Michaud and Yemen envoy Hans Grundberg.