News

Royal Orders Stipulate Transfer of Two Austrians, One Danish Citizen from Tehran to MuscatMuscat, 2 Jun (ONA) --- In compliance with the Royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to pursue endeavours with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Belgium, the competent Omani authorities have facilitated the process of receiving two Austrian citizens and a Danish citizen, who were all transferred from Tehran to Muscat onboard a Royal Air Force of Oman plane, in preparation for their repatriation to their respective countries.Oman values the cooperation of authorities in the ...

Oman, Iran Underscore Determination to Continue Settlement of Region’s Issues By Peaceful MeansTehran, 28 May (ONA) --- Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi and Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian today held a press conference in Tehran within the context of the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Islamic Republic of Iran.Sayyid Badr said that the visit of His Majesty the Sultan to Iran constitutes an extension of the deep-rooted bilateral relations and will usher in a new era of concerted action aimed at achieving fruitful ...

HM The Sultan’s Visit to Iran Takes Place in Backdrop of New, Positive Phase of Regional RelationsMuscat, 28 May (ONA) ---- Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi has said that the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Islamic Republic of Iran today and tomorrow stems from the significance attached to bilateral relations by the two countries’ leaders. “The visit comes in pursuance of constructive cooperation and consultation about different issues on the regional and international arenas,” he explained.Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper on the ...

GCC 42nd Anniversary A Moment to Ponder Past Achievements, Contemplate Future OnesMuscat, 24 May (ONA) ---- Tomorrow, the 25th of May, marks the 42nd anniversary of foundation of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The anniversary constitutes a moment during which the member states ponder about the great strides made in implementation of the goals set by the GCC Articles of Association. The statute provides for consolidating economic and political cooperation, enhancing regional development and establishing stronger ties among member states in various fields.The establishment of the GCC ...

Oman, Austria Hold Second Round of Political ConsultationsVienna, 23 May (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Austria held today the second round of political consultations session.The Omani side was chaired by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, whereas the Austrian side was chaired by Gregor W. Koessler, Director of the Political Affairs at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.The session discussed relations between Oman and Austria, as the two sides stressed their keenness on promoting them on ...

Oman, Luxembourg Hold Political Talks Session Muscat, 16 May (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister held a session of political talks with Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, who is currently on an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the march of bilateral relations. They also discussed means of enhancing cooperation, exchanging expertise and striking further agreements and memoranda of understanding during the coming period in the fields of economy, ...

Oman, Libya Hold Talks on Bilateral Cooperation Muscat, 15 May (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, today held a session of political talks with Dr. Najla Mohammed El Mangoush, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Collaboration of Libya, who is on an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. During the meeting, the two sides affirmed their keenness to cement ties between the two countries and two peoples. They discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields, in addition to ways of maximizing mutual benefits for ...

Oman welcomes Sudan Forces’ Signing of Declaration of Humanitarian Principles Muscat, 14 May (ONA) ---- The Foreign Ministry has expressed the Sultanate of Oman's welcoming the signing of the Declaration of Humanitarian Principles between representatives of Sudan’s Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Oman has also affirmed its full support for the unity, stability and security of Sudan and underscored the need to continue dialogue between all parties to help achieve the Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace and stability. Oman appreciated the ...

Polls Open in Türkiye for Presidential, Parliamentary Vote Ankara, 14 May (ONA) ---- Polling stations were open on Sunday across Türkiye for presidential and parliamentary elections.As many as 61 million people are eligible to vote, including nearly 5 million first-time voters. Turkish citizens abroad have already voted.Polls are open between 8 am and 5 pm (0500-1400 GMT).--- Ends/AH ...

Drones Attack Military Facility in Western Russia Moscow, 10 May (ONA) ---- Two drones attacked a Russian military base in the western Russian region of Voronezh, not far from Ukraine, according to official reports.The attack was repelled, local governor Alexander Goosev said on his Telegram channel. "One went off course due to the impact [of anti-aircraft fire] and crashed, the other was destroyed by shelling."A heightened alert remains in place, he added.More than 10 Russian soldiers were injured in the attack, local media reported.The target of the attack was the Pogonovo military ...

Oman Participates in Two Extraordinary Sessions of Arab LeagueCairo, 7 May (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman took part today in two extraordinary ministerial sessions of the Arab League (AL) Council, held at the AL Secretariat General in Cairo, Egypt.Oman’s delegation was headed by Mohammed Nasser Al Wahaibi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs.Arab foreign ministers, who convened to discuss developments in Syria, agreed to restore the seat of Syria in the Arab League after more than 10 years of suspension.The ministers also approved ...

Uzbek Voters Approve New Constitution by Large Majority in Referendum Tashkent, 1 May (ONA) ---- Uzbek citizens approved a new constitution, official figures show, with more than 90% in favour.The head of the electoral commission, Zayniddin Nizamkhodjayev, said today that 90.21% have voted for the new constitution, Uza state news agency reported.The constitutional amendment is widely seen primarily as a means to extend President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's term in office.Voter turnout reached 84.54%, according to Nizamkhodjayev, meaning some 16.7 million Uzbek citizens took part in the ...

Oman Evacuates Citizens from Sudan Muscat, 30 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman’s embassy in Sudan evacuated several Omani citizens and their families, as well as a number of Sudanese families residing in Oman, from Khartoum and Omdurman and secured their arrival to Oman. A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry here today pointed out that efforts are still underway to evacuate more citizens and residents in other Sudanese cities. The Foreign Ministry expresses Oman’s appreciation to Saudi Arabia for the cooperation of its authorities in facilitating the evacuation process ...

Foreign Minister Holds Telephone Call with Syrian Counterpart Muscat, 27 Apr (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, made a phone call with Dr. Faisal Al Miqdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic. During the phone call, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and means of enhancing them. They also discussed several regional and international matters. --- Ends/Anas ...

Foreign Minister Holds Telephone Call with UAE Counterpart Muscat, 19 Apr (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, made a phone call with Sheikh Abdullah Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed bilateral relations. They also discussed challenges facing the Arab region and current issues on the international arena. --- Ends/AG ...

Foreign Minister Holds Telephone Call with Egyptian CounterpartMuscat, 19 Apr (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister made a phone call with Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt. During the call, the two ministers discussed the situation in Sudan, following the ongoing clashes there. The two minister underscored the importance of ceasing the clashes and resorting to peaceful dialogue to resolve conflicts in a bid to protect the lives and capabilities of the Sudanese people and maintain Sudan’s peace, stability ...

US, South Korea, Japan Conduct More Drills Seoul, 17 Apr (ONA) --- The United States (US), South Korea and Japan conducted a joint missile defense exercise in waters near the Korean Peninsula today as they expand military training to counter the growing threats of North Korea’s nuclear-capable missiles. The South Korea-US-Japan training could trigger a belligerent response from North Korea, which condemns the United States’ military drills with its Asian allies as invasion rehearsals. The North has used those drills as a pretext to accelerate its own ...

Sudan Battles Intensify on 3rd Day; Civilian Deaths Reach 97 Khartoum, 17 Apr (ONA) --- Gunbattles, airstrikes and shelling today shook Sudan’s embattled capital in a third day of heavy fighting between the army and a powerful rival force for control of the country, as the civilian death toll rose to 97. Rapid, sustained firing was heard near the military headquarters in central Khartoum, a key battle zone since fighting began and white smoke rose from the area. The clashes are part of a power struggle between Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the commander of the armed ...

G7 Vows to Step up Moves to Renewable Energy, Zero Carbon Tokyo, 16 Apr (ONA) --- Energy and environment ministers of the Group of Seven wealthy nations today vowed to work to hasten the shift toward cleaner, renewable energy, but set no timetable for phasing out coal-fired power plants as they wrapped up two days of talks in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo. The officials issued a 36-page communique laying out their commitments ahead of a G-7 summit in Hiroshima in May 2023. Japan won endorsements from fellow G-7 countries for its own national strategy emphasizing ...

Arab Parliament Appreciates Oman’s Efforts to Ease Situations in YemenCairo, 15 Apr (ONA) —- The Arab Parliament has valued efforts of the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and their constant endeavours to ease situations in Yemen and furnish the grounds to forge a comprehensive political solution to end the crisis there.The Arab Parliament underscored in a statement the significance of this step, which comes at a crucial time to alleviate the suffering of Yemeni people. The parliament hoped to build on this step to reach a comprehensive truce to place Yemen on the ...

UN Secretary General Values Oman’s Efforts in Resolving DisputesWashington, 15 Apr (ONA) --- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres hailed the role of the Sultanate of Oman in supporting international efforts exerted to settle and resolve differences in the Republic of Yemen and achieve rapprochement in views of countries of the region.Guterres stressed that the establishment of sound relations among all countries of the region constitutes a key factor for stability and development. In this context, he affirmed that Muscat was and still is a gateway to peace.Guterres made the statement ...

Foreign Ministry Urges Parties in Sudan to Prioritize DialogueMuscat, 15 Apr (ONA) —- The Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the developments in Sudan following the ongoing clashes there.The ministry in a statement urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize peaceful dialogue to reach the desired political agreement and thus protect the lives and capabilities of the Sudanese people to realize their aspirations of security and stability.—- Ends/Bishara/Khalid ...

Oman Welcomes Bahrain-Qatar Accord on Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Muscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —- The Sultanate of Oman has welcomed the accord between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar on resuming diplomatic relations, following the Bahrain-Qatar Follow-up Committee’s second meeting held at the GCC Secretariat General in Riyadh. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman said that the step will lend support to cooperation among brethren and consolidate the GCC joint action in a manner that generates gains for all in the region.—- ...

Oman Welcomes Saudi-Syrian CommuniquéMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has welcomed the communiqué issued at the end of the visit of Dr. Faisal Al Miqdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman affirmed its support for all efforts made for the resumption of Syria's active role in the Arab world. It also expressed its support for reaching a political solution to the crisis in Syria that preserves the country’s territorial unity, security and ...

US and Philippines Run Major Drills Manila, 12 Apr (ONA) --- The United States (US) began the Balikatan exercise, its largest joint drills with the Philippines in the past 30 years. The exercise involves 12,200 US and 5,400 Philippine soldiers, as well as 111 servicemen from Australia. During the two weeks of the drills, the military personnel will practice amphibious, urban, aerial and counterterrorism operations, as well as live-fire training and maritime security procedures. The field exercise, which will test the allies’ capabilities, communication between units, ...

Saudi Arabia, Iran Restore Diplomatic TiesBeijing, 6 Apr (ONA) —- PrinceFaisalbinFarhanAl Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), who is on an official visit to Beijing, met today with Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.During the meeting, the two ministers discussed relations and followed up the steps taken to implement the agreement reached by the two countries in Beijing.The agreement includes reopeningtheir respective embassies within a period agreed upon. They also discussed ways to achieve security and ...

Oman Denounces Occupation Forces’ Storming Al Aqsa MosqueMuscat, 5 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has expressed strong denunciation and condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces’ storming Al Aqsa Mosque, attacking worshipers and arresting many of them.In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman said that such Israeli practices constitute a flagrant violation of the International Law and human law—which provokes the feelings of Muslims around the world.Oman urged the international community to assume its responsibilities in deterring ...

Kremlin Warns of Response to Finland’s Accession to NATO Moscow, 4 Apr (ONA) --- Russia will have to take countermeasures in respect to Finland’s accession to NATO, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters today. He added, "The Kremlin believes that this is yet another escalation and that NATO’s expansion is posing a threat to our security and the interests of the Russian Federation. “We will take countermeasures to ensure our own security both tactically and strategically," Peskov warned as he said Russia would respond as it thinks fit. He said, "We will ...

Conditions Ripe for Political Solution in Yemen: GCC Secretary GeneralRiyadh, 4 Apr (ONA) --- Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary General called on Yemenis to unite and uphold Yemen's supreme interest, so that the country may enjoy peace, security and stability.“On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of intra-Yemeni consultations, the current conditions are conducive to engaging in peace talks and reaching a political solution in line with the GCC Initiative, the Comprehensive Dialogue Conference and Security Council Resolution 2016,” he observed.Al Budaiwi commended the ...

Turkey, Russia, Syria, Iran to Hold Quadripartite Meeting Tomorrow Moscow, 3 Apr (ONA) --- Discussions between the delegations of Syria and Iran began in Moscow today in preparation for the quadripartite meeting between Turkey, Russia, Syria and Iran, which will start in Russia tomorrow (Tuesday). Ayman Sousan, Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister and head of the Syrian delegation said, “The delegation will hold bilateral consultations with the Russian and Iranian sides today, before participating in the quadripartite meeting tomorrow”. In mid-March 2023, Turkish ...