News

Iranian President Receives Foreign MinisterTehran, 10 Jan 2026 (ONA) — President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran today received Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister.This took place within the context of Sayyid Badr’s official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.During the meeting, Sayyid Badr conveyed greetings and best wishes of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to President Pezeshkian and the people of Iran.For his part, the Iranian President asked Sayyid Badr to convey his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan and the ...

Fuel Shortages, Road Closures Slow Humanitarian Response in Gaza, Says OCHA New York, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that fuel shortages and road closures are significantly slowing the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip. "While fuel deliveries have resumed, ongoing access restrictions, congestion, and storage gaps continue to drive up costs and delay assistance", OCHA said in a statement. It noted that UN partners were able to resume the distribution of monthly food rations for the first time since October 2023, ...

Foreign Minister, Egyptian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments in CairoCairo, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) — Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, met today in Cairo withDr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt.The meeting was held within the framework of regular consultation and continuous coordination between the two nations to discuss ways to elevate bilateral relations and exchange views on regional issues of mutual concern.The two ministers reviewed existing cooperation relations and work programs across ...

Oman and Syria Explore Expanding Bilateral Cooperation Muscat, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sheikh Khalid bin Hashel Al Muselhi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, today met with Dr. Mohammed Taha Al Ahmed, Director of the Arab and Regional Affairs Department at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The discussions focused on the bilateral relations between the two countries and explored avenues to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors. The meeting was attended by Dr. Idris Mia, Ambassador of the ...

Oman, Botswana Explore Means of Boosting Economic, Diplomatic Relations Muscat, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sheikh Khalid Hasehl Al Muselhi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs received Thuso Ramodimoosi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of International Relations in the Republic of Botswana and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, the two sides explored means of enhancing economic, diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries. They also reviewed cooperation and investment opportunities in the fields of energy, ...

Oman, Ethiopia Discuss Means of Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation Addis Ababa, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The first session of political talks between the Sultanate of Oman and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was held today in the Ethiopian capital, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations between the two nations. The Omani side was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, while the Ethiopian side was headed by Hadera Abera, State Minister of Foreign Affairs for ...

Foreign Minister and UAE Counterpart Hold Fraternal Consultations Abu Dhabi, 5 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, held fraternal consultations with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), during a meeting in Abu Dhabi today. The discussions covered a range of recent regional developments and issues, exploring avenues for constructive engagement. This dialogue supports broader efforts to forge consensus and develop effective approaches aimed at ...

UNRWA: 12,000 Palestinian Children are Living in State of Forced Displacement in West BankNew York, 5 Jan 2025 (ONA) --- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) more than 12,000 Palestinian children are living in a state of “forced displacement” in the West Bank as a result of Israel’s ongoing military operation in the northern governorates. Since 21 January 2025, the Israeli occupation army has been carrying out a military operation in the northern West Bank known as “Iron Wall,” which began in the Jenin refugee camp and later expanded to the Nur ...

Oman Welcomes Invitation to Engage in Dialogue Among All Southern Components in Yemen Muscat, 4 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman welcomed the invitation to engage in dialogue among all southern components within the Republic of Yemen, to be hosted by the brethren in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The statement by the Foreign Ministry said that this initiative contributes toward achieving the necessary consensus under a comprehensive political settlement, in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people. ---Ends/AG ...

Oman Affirms Support for International Law in View of Developments in Venezuela Muscat, 4 Jan 2025 (ONA) ---- In view of recent developments concerning the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the fundamental principles of the Sultanate of Oman's policy in full support for international law and Oman’s respect for the sovereignty and independence of states. In a statement to this effect, the Foreign Ministry urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and to empower dialogue to prevent further escalation and achieve reconciliation in a ...

Rights Monitor: Israeli Occupation’s Suspension of Relief Organizations in Gaza is a "Dangerous Escalation" Geneva, 1 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has confirmed that the Israeli occupation authorities' decision to halt the operations of dozens of major international relief organizations working in the occupied Palestinian territory, specifically in the Gaza Strip, constitutes a ‘dangerous escalation’ intended to terminate the humanitarian response and sever life-saving support pathways. The monitor stated in its report that this decision mandates ...

Somalia Assumes Presidency of UN Security Council for January New York, 1 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Somalia officially assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council today, succeeding Slovenia for the month of January. The Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow, Friday, to brief the media on the Council's program of work. This follows a morning session today where the Security Council is expected to formally approve its agenda for the month. ---Ends/AG ...

Sayyid Badr, Saudi Counterpart Review Developments in Yemen Riyadh, 31 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in Riyadh today. The discussions focused on the latest developments in Yemen and their repercussions for regional security and stability. The meeting addressed ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and explored avenues to bolster the political process. Both ministers emphasized the need for a comprehensive and enduring ...

Oman’s Consistent Position Advocates Peaceful Solutions in YemenMuscat, 30 Dec 2025 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman is monitoring developments pertaining to the Republic of Yemen. It reaffirmed its consistent position, which calls for restraint and the primacy of wisdom by addressing all issues through constructive dialogue to achieve the desired mutual understanding and fraternal consensus. This approach, Oman believes, serves the security and interests of Yemen and the national security of neighboring states.In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, the Sultanate of Oman expressed ...

Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Iranian, Egyptian CounterpartsMuscat, 30 Dec 2025 (ONA) —- A telephone conversation was held between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.The discussions focused on bilateral relations between the two countries, alongside an exchange of views on several regional and international developments of shared concern.Separately, in a telephone call with Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sayyid Badr Al ...

Colonists Storm Al-Aqsa MosqueOccupied Jerusalem, 29 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Dozens of colonists stormed the courtyards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque today, under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF). WAFA news agency reported local sources as saying that dozens of colonists stormed Al-Aqsa in groups, carried out provocative tours in its courtyards, and performed Talmudic rituals. These incursions are part of the occupation's efforts to obliterate Al-Quds' Islamic and historical identity and threaten Islamic sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque. --- ...

Presidential Elections Begin in Central African Republic Bangui, 28 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Voters in the Central African Republic have begun casting their ballots in presidential elections, with President Faustin-Archange Touadera seeking to win a third presidential term. The number of registered voters is approximately 2.4 million, and preliminary results are expected by the fifth of January next year. The presidential elections are being held concurrently with legislative, local, and municipal elections. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the votes, the second ...

UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Session on Somalia’s Territorial Integrity New York, 28 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session tomorrow, Monday, to deliberate on the political and legal repercussions of developments concerning the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. This meeting follows a formal urgent request submitted by the Somali Federal Government. The session will be held at the UN Headquarters in New York, drawing significant attention from the international community as ...

Polling Stations Open in Myanmar in First General Election in 5 Years Naypyidaw, 28 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Voters headed to the polls today in the first stage of Myanmar's first general election in five years, which is being conducted under the supervision of its military government. The military junta has been leading Myanmar since it seized power from the former elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Her party had won the 2020 elections but was prevented from assuming power for a second term. In Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, the capital Naypyidaw, and other ...

Oman Reaffirms Its Support for Unity, Sovereignty of Somalia Muscat, 28 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman is closely following developments related to the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, the Sultanate of Oman affirmed its support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial unity, stressing the importance of respecting the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and refraining from any unilateral actions that may affect the unity or internationally ...

UAE Hails Oman’s Efforts to Reach Prisoner Swap Deal in Yemen Abu Dhabi, 24 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lauded the efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman in hosting and facilitating the negotiations that culminated in the signing of the agreement to exchange prisoners and detainees in Yemen, according to a statement issued today. The UAE also commended the cooperation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and valued the significant role of the Office of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The UAE ...

Qatar Commends Oman's Pivotal Role in Reaching Yemen Prisoner Swap Agreement Doha, 24 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The State of Qatar has expressed its deep appreciation for the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman, which culminated in the signing of a prisoner and detainee exchange agreement for Yemen in Muscat. Qatar described the agreement as a significant step toward addressing urgent humanitarian concerns and advancing the pursuit of security and stability in the region. The State of Qatar further reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Yemen and ...

Bahrain Welcomes Oman’s Efforts in Reaching Prisoner Exchange Deal in Yemen Manama, 24 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Kingdom of Bahrain has welcomed the diplomatic efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman towards the signing of an agreement that led to the exchange of prisoners and detainees in Yemen under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and in cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Bahrain valued Oman’s efforts and described them as a positive step and a breakthrough in addressing the humanitarian ...

Saudi Arabia Commends Oman's Diplomatic Role in Facilitating Yemen Prisoner Exchange Muscat, 23 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has commended the sincere efforts and noble diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman in hosting and mediating the negotiations that resulted in the agreement for the exchange of prisoners and detainees in Yemen. The KSA affirmed that this humanitarian initiative will help alleviate suffering and contribute to building confidence among the parties. The KSA also lauded the pivotal role played by the Office of ...

UN Envoy Lauds Oman's Role in Facilitating Yemen Prisoner Exchange Agreement Muscat, 23 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Hans Grundberg, the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy to Yemen, has expressed his profound gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the pivotal negotiations in Muscat that culminated in the signing of a prisoner exchange agreementfor Yemen. In a statement issued by his office, the Envoy lauded Oman's diplomatic efforts, underscoring the critical humanitarian significance of the deal. The statement confirmed that the conflict parties concluded intensive ...

GCC Secretary-General Welcomes Muscat Agreement for Exchange of Prisoners in Yemen Riyadh, 23 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Jasem Mohammed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General has welcomed the agreement that signed in Muscat today for the exchange of prisoners in Yemen. Al Budaiwi commended the efforts of the  the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross in reaching this agreement. Al Budaiwi expressed the hope that this ...

Oman Welcomes Yemen Prisoners Exchange Agreement Signed in Muscat Muscay, 23 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman welcomed the agreement signed in Muscat regarding the exchange of prisoners in Yemen. Oman praised the positive spirit that prevailed throughout the negotiations, which took place from 9-23 December. Oman commended the cooperation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the efforts of the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all parties involved in the negotiations. Oman notes that these collective efforts ...

HM The Sultan, Indian Premier Welcome Signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Muscat, 18 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, issued a joint statement welcoming the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. They affirmed that it represents a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations and stated that it will generate substantial opportunities across major economic sectors, foster economic growth, and enhance the flow of investments between the two ...

Foreign Minister Receives Credentials of Palestinian, Lebanese Ambassadors Muscat, 17 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, today received the credentials’ copies from both Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed Al Rowaidhi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine and Majdi Ramadan, Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic, newly appointed to the Sultanate of Oman. During the separate meetings, the Minister extended a warm welcome to the ambassadors. He wished them every success in their diplomatic missions and expressed his sincere hope for the continued ...

Oman, Thailand Hold Political Talks Session Muscat, 16 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The second session of political talks between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Thailand was held today at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry. The Omani side was headed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs. The Thai side was headed by Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the session, the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries were discussed in the fields of ...