Minister discusses cooperation with Syrian counterpart

Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, received in Muscat Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the Syrian Arab Republic. This marked the Syrian Minister’s first official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.

Sayyid Badr welcomed his Syrian counterpart, emphasising the strength of the historical relations binding the two countries and the mutual keenness to support and enhance cooperation, particularly in the political, economic, and cultural fields.

The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments. Sayyid Badr affirmed Oman’s support for efforts to achieve security and stability in Syria, that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr Al-Shaibani expressed his country’s deep appreciation for Oman’s wise approach and balanced policies, valuing its role in backing the security and stability of Syria.

He emphasised his country’s aspiration to broaden cooperation and deepen coordination with Oman, in a way that serves the mutual interests of the two countries and strengthens the fraternal bonds between the two peoples.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs and officials from both countries.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency (ONA) Sayyid Badr said that Oman supports Syria’s promising future in regaining its role and position on the Arab and international stages, considering it an important element within the framework of Oman’s foreign relations, given its historical status and role throughout the ages.

He added that the meeting with his Syrian counterpart, during his first official visit to Oman, was fruitful, describing it as a confirmation of the deep-rooted relations and solid bonds between the Omani and Syrian peoples. He expressed optimism for the future of these relations and the development and growth they will bring.

He added that the meeting sits within the framework of existing structural mechanisms for cooperation between the two countries, noting an agreement to update these frameworks, particularly the resumption of work of the Omani-Syrian Joint Committee, which will hold its next meetings at the level of foreign ministers.

He said that agreement had been reached to review the priorities of bilateral cooperation and to sign several agreements and memoranda of understanding in the next phase. Senior officials from both sides will meet to develop an executive work programme for the relations, Sayyid Badr added.

The Syrian Foreign Minister told the ONA that Syrian-Omani relations are long-standing and are based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation. He noted the deep cultural relations linking the two countries, which over decades have built bridges for continuous communication between the two peoples.

He said: “We look forward to these relations contributing to supporting the reconstruction phase in Syria in various spheres, especially the economic and service sectors where the Sultanate of Oman has achieved remarkable progress, including ports, roads and connectivity projects. On the diplomatic front, we are also keen to benefit from Omani wisdom and the distinguished diplomatic experience of the Sultanate of Oman.”

The Minister added that during the meeting, air was agreed to reactivate all existing agreements between the Sultanate of Oman and the Syrian Arab Republic, alongside forming a joint committee tasked with preparing the conditions for linking various sectors and enhancing cooperation opportunities. He added that technical meetings are scheduled to commence in the coming months.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.