News

Oman, UK Explore Means of Boosting Cooperation Muscat, 27 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister received in his office today David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Commonwealth and Development Affairs. During the meeting, the two ministers affirmed the joint desire to follow up all areas of cooperation and means of promoting them to serve the joint interests. The two sides also emphasized the importance of continued consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all efforts that would strengthen the foundations of regional ...

Oman Welcomes Decision to Initiate Position of Vice President of the State of Palestine Muscat, 27 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has welcomed a decision by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee to initiate the position of Vice-President of the Executive Committee and Vice-President of the State of Palestine, and to appoint Hussein Al Sheikh to this position. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, the Sultanate of Oman congratulated Al Sheikh on his new appointment, wishing him success in performing his duties. ...

Foreign Minister: High-Level US-Iran Meeting Scheduled for May 3rdMuscat, 26 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister said that the US-Iran talks in Muscat today identified a shared aspiration to reach agreement based on mutual respect and enduring commitments.He added: “Core principles, objectives and technical concerns were all addressed. Talks will continue next week with a further high level meeting provisionally scheduled for May 3rd.”On his turn, Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the third round of ...

Foreign Minister, Turkish Counterpart Discuss Means of Boosting CooperationMuscat, 23 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye explored means of boosting cooperation between Oman and Türkiye in various areas, in a manner that serves the joint interests.During a phone call made between the two ministers today, both sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing challenges and promoting security and ...

France, Germany, UK Urge Israeli Entity to Allow Unimpeded Flow of Humanitarian Aid into Gaza Berlin, 23 Apr (ONA) --- The Foreign Ministers of Germany, France, and Britain called on the Israeli entity to allow unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza Strip in compliance with international law. "Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change," the European ministers said in a joint statement issued today. The Israeli occupation authorities have blocked the entry of ...

Oman Condemns Attack Targeting Tourists in India Muscat, 23 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in the Republic of India yesterday. Oman extended its sincere condolences to the government and people of India and to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman reaffirmed its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of motives or justifications. ---Ends/AG ...

Oman, Russia Share Commitment to Further Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation Moscow, 22 Apr (ONA) --- In furtherance of the bonds of friendship and the historic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation, and in response to the gracious invitation extended by President Vladimir Putin, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik undertook a State Visit to the Russian Federation on Monday and Tuesday, 21–22 April 2025.The two leaders held official talks in the Grand Hall of the Kremlin Palace, characterized by a spirit of friendship and a shared commitment to further enhancing ...

IAEA Head Confident after 2nd Round of US-Iran Nuclear TalksRome, 20 Apr (ONA) --- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi has expressed optimism on talks between the United States and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme. Both sides were "prepared to discuss concrete aspects with each other," Grossi told Italy's La Repubblica newspaper in an interview published today. Talks between Washington and Tehran, which are being mediated by the Sultanate of Oman, are due to continue on Saturday. The venue is moving from the Italian capital to Muscat in Oman for the third ...

Omani-Mediated Agreement: US, Iran to Proceed to New Phase of Nuclear Talks in MuscatRome, 19 Apr (ONA) —- A spokesperson for Oman’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that today’s meetings in Rome between Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, mediated by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman’s Foreign Minister, resulted in an agreement by both parties to transition to the next phase of negotiations. These talks aim to reach a fair, lasting, and binding agreement, ensuring Iran’s to be completely free of nuclear weapons and the full lifting ...

Oman-Mediated Iran-US Talks to Reconvene in RomeMuscat, 17 Apr (ONA) —- A spokesman of Oman’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Rome will be the venue this Saturday for the 2nd round of talks between representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America.The Iran-US talks aim to make further progress towards reaching a just, binding and sustainable agreement.The Sultanate of Oman is pleased to be facilitating and mediating this meeting in Rome, which has been chosen as the venue for logistical reasons.Oman is also grateful to the Italian government for their ...

China and Malaysia Reject Forced Displacement of Gaza ResidentsKuala Lumpur, 17 Apr (ONA) --- China and Malaysia expressed their rejection of the forced displacement of the people of Gaza and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution. This was stated in a joint statement issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia today. The two sides affirmed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inalienable part of the Palestinian territories, according to the statement. The two ...

South Korea, US Launch Joint Freedom Flag Air DrillsSeoul, 17 Apr (ONA) --- South Korea and the United States today kicked off a joint large-scale air exercise, the South's Air Force said, in efforts to bolster their interoperability and combined readiness posture against North Korean threats. Some 1,100 troops and 90 aircraft from both sides were mobilized for the semiannual Freedom Flag exercise, which runs through 2 May 2025, according to the Air Force. Among the assets mobilized for the two-week drills were the South's F-35A, F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, ...

Oman, Netherlands Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation Across Various SectorsAmsterdam, 16 Apr (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration and business partnerships to drive mutual economic growth and innovation.This came in a joint communique issued on the occasion of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state-visit to the Netherlands. It reads as follows:“On 15 and 16 April, His Majesty Sultan ...

South Korea, US Hold Joint Mine Countermeasures ExercisesSeoul, 16 Apr (ONA) --- South Korea and the US have conducted a combined naval drills in waters near the southeastern coastal city of Pohang to enhance their joint mine warfare capabilities, the South's Navy said today. Yonhap News Agency quoted the South Korean Navy as saying that, "the nine-day exercise, involved 10 warships and three helicopters from both sides, including the South's Nampo MLS-II mine layer and the US mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM-10)." The training involved various exercises such ...

Oman Expresses Solidarity with Jordan in Tackling Security Threats Muscat, 16 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has followed the announcements made by authorities in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan regarding the foiling of plans aimed at undermining Jordan’s security and sowing chaos, and sabotage. In a statement by the Foreign Ministry, the Sultanate of Oman condemned any actions aimed at undermining the security, stability, and sovereignty of nations, affirming its solidarity with the people and leadership of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Oman lauded the vigilance ...

HM The Sultan Receives Phone Call from US President Muscat, 15 Apr (ONA) --- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received a phone call from President Donald Trump of the United States of America (USA). President Trump expressed his appreciation for the bilateral relations between the two countries and for Oman’s efforts in the ongoing negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. They also discussed ways to support these negotiations to achieve the desired outcomes. --- Ends/Khalid ...

UN Chief 'Deeply Alarmed' by Israeli Strike on Al-Ahli Hospital in GazaNew York, 15 Apr (ONA) --- The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply alarmed" at Sunday's strike by Israeli occupation forces on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. "Under international humanitarian law, wounded and sick, medical personnel and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected," the UN chief said in a statement. He said the attack dealt "a severe blow to an already devastated healthcare system in the Strip", adding there was strong concern ...

OCHA: Gaza Humanitarian Crisis 'Likely the Worst' Since Start of WarNew York, 15 Apr (ONA) --- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "likely the worst" since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the besieged enclave in October 2023, amid a continued blockade on humanitarian aid. In its latest statement, OCHA said, "The humanitarian situation is now likely the worst it has been in the past 18 months since the start of the war," highlighting that no aid shipments have entered ...

Israeli Occupation Shoots, Injures Three Palestinians in RamallahOccupied Jerusalem, 14 Apr (ONA) --- The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) shot and injured three Palestinians today in the Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah, the West Bank.Palestinian News Agency (Wafa) reported, citing Palestinian sources, that the IOF stormed the camp and shot a young man in the abdomen with live bullets, and others in the knee and hand.This comes amid escalating Israeli attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In recent months, the IOF has intensified raids, arrests, ...

Israel Wages War, Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza: Affirms Doctors Without Borders Geneva, 14 Apr (ONA) --- Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed that Israel is carrying out an ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, with the Israeli military doctrine based on the principle of indiscriminate retaliation.Head of the Regional Media Office of Doctors Without Borders Inas Abu Khalaf commented on the Israeli missile attack that targeted the Baptist Hospital east of Gaza City yesterday Sunday, and explained that the scenario of targeting Gaza hospitals is recurring with increasing violence, while ...

Arab Parliament Welcomes Oman’s Hosting of US-Iran NegotiationsCairo, 13 Apr (ONA) —— The Arab Parliament has welcomed the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of the first round of direct negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing hope that these talks would contribute to enhancing regional and global security and stability.The Arab Parliament praised Oman’s pivotal role and sincere efforts in hosting these discussions, which reflect its enduring commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and stability. It added that Oman’s hosting of ...

Oman-Morocco Joint Committee Holds Session Muscat, 13 April (ONA) —The Joint Omani-Moroccan Committee today held its 7th session under the co-chairmanship of Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. in his speech Sayyid Badr underscored the depth of historic and fraternal relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Morocco. These relations, he affirmed, are based on trust and mutual respect as a result of the directions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham ...

Foreign Minister, Jordanian Counterpart Review Development of Iran-US Talks Muscat, 13 Apr (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan reviewed today during a telephonic call the regional developments. The two ministers discussed the talks held in Muscat between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Jordanian minister expressed Jordan’s support for the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts in furnishing a climate ...

Jordan Welcomes Oman's Hosting of Iran-US TalksAmman, 13 Apr (ONA) —- The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan welcomed the Sultanate of Oman's hosting of high-level talks between the United States of America (USA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Jordan affirmed its support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and enhancing regional and international security and peace, while commending Oman's role in facilitating these talks, which contribute to achieving security and stability in the region.—- Ends/Khalid ...

Egypt Welcomes Oman's Hosting of Iran-US TalksCairo, 13 Apr (ONA) —- The Arab Republic of Egypt welcomed the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of the talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America (USA). Egypt commended Oman’s constructive, vital, and ongoing role in supporting the pursuit of political and peaceful solutions amid the significant challenges facing the region, as well as its efforts to reduce political tensions.In its statement, the Arab Republic of Egypt affirmed its full support for Oman’s sincere efforts and all endeavors aimed at reaching ...

Foreign Minister, Qatari PM Review Regional DevelopmentsMuscat, Apr 13 (ONA) —- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, discussed during a phone call the latest regional developments, including the ongoing talks in Muscat between the United States of America (USA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani commended the positive role played by the Sultanate of Oman in promoting dialogue channels, affirming Qatar’s support for ...

Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Kuwaiti CounterpartMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— A phone call took place between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait.The call addressed regional developments, including the US-Iran talks hosted in Muscat.The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for Oman’s efforts in promoting dialogue, reaffirming Kuwait’s support for endeavors aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.—— Ends/AH ...

Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from UAE Deputy PremierMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received a phone call from Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).During the call, the latest developments on the regional scene were discussed, particularly the talks hosted by the Sultanate of Oman between the United States of America (USA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed the deep appreciation of the UAE for the positive role and wise ...

Foreign Minister, Saudi Counterpart Discuss Iranian-American Talks in Phone CallMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and His Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a telephone conversation.The two sides discussed developments in the talksbetween the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, held in Muscat.The Saudi Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for Oman’s efforts in fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue, stressing the importance of these endeavors ...

Foreign Minister, Bahraini Counterpart Hold Phone CallMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, held a telephone conversation.The two sides discussed regional developments, including the talks in Muscat between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Dr. Al Zayani expressed his appreciation for Oman’s efforts in fostering a conducive environment for dialogue, voicing hope that these efforts would contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region and ...