News

Finland to Join Nato Military Alliance on Tuesday Brussels, 3 Apr (ONA) --- Finland will become the 31st member of Nato on Tuesday, the Western military alliance's secretary general has announced. The application was prompted by the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian war, with which Finland shares a long border. Turkey had delayed the application, complaining that Finland was supporting "terrorists". Sweden applied to join Nato at the same time last May, but Turkey is blocking it over similar complaints, BBC news reported. Any Nato expansion needs the support of all its ...

Foreign Minister Meets UK Secretary of State London, 3 Apr (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister met with James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of United Kingdom (UK) at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today. The meeting reviewed the existing relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also explored opportunities for new partnership and investment in renewable energy projects, technical education and innovation. The two sides affirmed their interest in ...

South Korea, US, Japan Hold Anti-submarine Drill Seoul, 3 Apr (ONA) --- The South Korean, United States (US) and Japanese navies today began their first anti-submarine drills in six months to boost their coordination against increasing North Korean missile threats, South Korea’s military said. The two-day drills come as North Korea’s recent unveiling of a type of battlefield nuclear warhead prompted worries the country may conduct its first nuclear test since 2017. The maritime exercises in international waters off South Korea’s southern island of Jeju involved the ...

Tight Contest Expected as Polls Open in Parliamentary Election in Finland Helsinki, 2 Apr (ONA) --- A tight race is in prospect in Finland's parliamentary elections, with three parties in with a chance of coming out on top. Voting began this morning at local time. A record 1.7 million people, or nearly 40 percent of voters in Finland, cast advance ballots. Prime Minister Sanna Marin's Social Democrats are fighting to secure a second term. But final opinion polls put her behind the centre-right National Coalition Party led by Petteri Orpo, and the right-wing populist The Finns ...

GCC Secretary General Reiterates Backing UN Efforts in YemenRiyadh, 30 Mar (ONA) —- Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary General, received Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy to Yemen, at the headquarters of the Secretariat General in Riyadh today.During the meeting, Al Budaiwi affirmed the GCC's determination to support all international efforts, in a manner that contributes to achieving security, stability, development and peace in Yemen.The meeting reviewed the GCC’s position in Yemen, ending the Yemeni crisis by forging a political solution to the crisis, and preserving Yemen’s ...

IAEA Chief Arrives at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Zaporizhzhia, 29 Mar (ONA) --- Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant today. This is Grossi’s second visit to the plant located in the city of Energodar in the Zaporizhzhia Region. The IAEA delegation consists of 11 people, including Grossi himself and three inspectors who have come on rotation. They are accompanied by seven people: representatives of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). The 6-gigawatt Zaporizhzhia ...

Tehran, Moscow to Finalize Draft Comprehensive Agreement on Strategic Cooperation in April Moscow, 29 Mar (ONA) --- Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iranian Foreign Minister said today he hoped that the draft of a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement between Tehran and Moscow will be finalized next month. "I am very grateful that the draft of a comprehensive agreement on strategic partnership between our countries has been reviewed and finalized in Russia," he said at a meeting with Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister in Moscow. He further said, "I would like to point ...

Oman, Tajikistan Hold Political Consultations Muscat, 28 May (ONA) --- The second round of political consultations was held here today between the Foreign Ministries of the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Tajikistan.The Omani side was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs, while the Tajik side was headed by Huseynzade Muzaffar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan.The two sides discussed aspects of the bilateral relations. They also affirmed the two countries’ keenness in constantly developing these ...

Widespread Protests in Israel Following Draft Judicial Amendments Tel Aviv, 27 Mar (ONA) --- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled his speech planned to be broadcast today, after consultations with heads of his ruling coalition parties. The move comes in light of the widespread protests that Israel is witnessing, after Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, for opposing the draft judicial amendments. More than 500,000 Israeli demonstrators turned out in Tel Aviv to protest against Galant's dismissal, while Israeli opposition leaders in parliament ...

Oman Heads 155th Session of GCC Ministerial Council Riyadh, 22 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman chaired the 155th session of the GCC Ministerial Council held at the GCC Secretariat General headquarters in Riyadh today. The Sultanate of Oman was represented in the meeting by Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister. Present at the meeting were GCC foreign ministers and the GCC Secretary General. In his speech, Sayyid Badr underlined the approach pursued by the GCC to support peace, security and stability in the region and the world in a bid to achieve ...

Oman, Romania Hold Political Talks Session Muscat, 21 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Romania held today the 3rd session of political talks at Muscat. During the session, the Omani side was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, while the Romanian side was headed by Traian Hristea, Secretary of State for Global Affairs and Diplomatic Strategies of Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation in different fields. They also exchanged ...

Oman Condemns Extreme,RacistStatements of Israeli Official Muscat, 21 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has denounced the extreme, racist statements made by an official of the Israeli occupation, in which he denied the existence of the brotherly Palestinian people, and his use of a misleading map that contradicts facts and the international law. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman expressed its total rejection of such provocative, irresponsible statements and actions, which represent a blatant violation of all international laws and norms. Oman calls on the ...

Oman Participates at Meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers Council Nouakchott, 16 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman took part today in the 49th meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, hosted by the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. The meeting was themed “Moderation: The Key to Security and Stability”. Oman’s delegation was headed in the meeting by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs. President Mohammed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania inaugurated the ...

Insulting Sanctities is Evidence of Intolerance, Hate Crimes: GCC States Geneva, 14 Mar (ONA) --- The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have expressed their concern about the challenges facing the freedom of religion and belief, such as widespread acts of violence, incidents of religious hatred, increasing discrimination and religious intolerance, as well as attacks on religious sites. This was cited in a speech delivered on behalf of the GCC states by Idris Abdulrahman Al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations (UN) and ...

Oman, Kuwait Hold Talks Muscat, 12 Mar (ONA) ---- Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Salim Abdullah Al Jabir Al Sabah held an official session of talks at the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters here today. The session dealt with the distinguished relations binding the two countries and means of promoting them to serve the joint interests. The two sides looked forward for the success of the 9th session of the Omani-Kuwaiti Joint Committee, hosted in Muscat. They stressed the importance of boosting the bilateral cooperation in ...

Foreign Ministry, WIPO Ink Letter of Intent Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, received here today Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). During the meeting, the two sides reviewed areas of joint cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and WIPO in the intellectual property sphere. Further, a letter of intent (LOI) was signed between the Foreign Ministry and WIPO dealing with training Omani diplomats in the field of intellectual property. ...

Oman Participates in Raisina Dialogue in New DelhiNew Delhi, 3 Mar (ONA) —- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Foreign Ministry, took part in Raisina Dialogue, within the framework of Oman’s participation in G20 meetings being held at the Indian capital, New Delhi.Oman’s delegation was represented in the dialogue by Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi.Sayyid Badr spoke at a panel discussion entitled "A Region of Opportunities: From the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea" that addressed challenges and opportunities of the region with regard to energy dynamics, climate change, and regional ...

Foreign Minister Meets Japanese Foreign Minister in JapanNew Delhi, 3 Mar (ONA) —- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister met with Yoshimasa Hayashi, Foreign Minister of Japan. The meeting came within the framework of Sayyid Badr’s participation in Raisina Dialogue held at the Indian capital, New Delhi.The two sides exchanged congratulations on the 50th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relations between the two countries. They also reiterated their keenness to support and promote areas of the bilateral cooperation to achieve the mutual benefits particularly in fields of ...

Indian Prime Minister Receives Foreign Minister in New DelhiNew Delhi, 3 Mar (ONA) —- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India received at New Delhi Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and foreign ministers taking part in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers.During the meeting, Sayyid Badr conveyed greetings of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik along with best wishes of further growth and prosperity to Modi and the Indian people. His Majesty Also wished success to the Indian Prime Minister while presiding over and hosting the G20 meetings during 2023, wishing the ...

Foreign Minister Meets Brazilian Foreign Minister in New Delhi New Delhi, 2 Mar (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister met with Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The meeting comes within the framework of the participation of the Sultanate of Oman in the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting held at the Indian capital, New Delhi today. The meeting touched on opportunities of cooperation and economic partnership between the two countries. It also explored means of expanding these opportunities. The two ...

Foreign Minister Meets Netherlands Counterpart in DelhiNew Delhi, 2 Mar (ONA) —- Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, met here today with Wopke Hoekstra, Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.The meeting came within the context of Sayyid Badr’s participation in meetings of the G20 Foreign Ministers in New Delhi, India.During the meeting, the two sides underlined the joint interest in promoting relations of cooperation and partnership between Oman and the Netherlands. They also reviewed a set of regional and international issues of mutual concern.It was attended by ...

Foreign Minister Meets French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in New DelhiNew Delhi, 2 Mar (ONA) —- Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, met here today with Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.The meeting came within the context of Sayyid Badr’s participation in meetings of the G20 Foreign Ministers in New Delhi, India.During the meeting, the two sides affirmed to continue implementing programs of the bilateral cooperation between Oman and France. They also exchanged views on a set of regional and international issues of mutual ...

Oman Participates in G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in IndiaNew Delhi, 2 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Foreign Ministry, participated in the meeting of the G20 foreign ministers, held in the Indian capital New Delhi today. Oman is invited as a guest of honour during the G20 meetings. The meeting was held within the context of India’s presidency of the G20 meetings. Oman’s delegation was led by Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister.In his participation during the meeting, Sayyid Badr touched on the Omani perspective on peacemaking, with ...

Oman to Participate in 40th Session of Arab Interior Ministers Council Tunis, 28 Feb (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman will participate in the 40th session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, due to be held in Tunisia tomorrow “Wednesday”.Oman’s delegation will be led by Sayyid Hamoud Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, who arrived Tunis today.Sayyid Hamoud and his accompanying delegation were received at Tunis Carthage International Airport by Tawfiq Charafeddine, Tunisian Minister of Interior, Dr. Mohammad Ali Kuman, Secretary General of the Arab ...

Oman, Tunisia Plan to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation in Investment Fields Tunis, 28 Feb (ONA) --- Dr. Hilal Abdullah Al Sinani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Tunisian Republic, affirmed that the Omani-Tunisian relations are on the threshold of further cooperation, development and expansion, particularly in the economic, trade and investment fields. He said that the Omani-Tunisian relations have achieved steady growth in several spheres. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), the ambassador explained that the embassy is exerting efforts to attract major Tunisian ...

Oman, India Hold 12th Political Talks Session Muscat, 27 Feb (ONA) --- The 12th session of political talks was held here today between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India. The Omani side was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, while the Indian side was headed by Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary of Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs. During the session, the two sides underscored the joint advance relations and the importance of enhancing them in all spheres. They also touched on ...

Oman Welcomes Joint Statement of Aqaba Meeting in JordanMuscat, 27 Feb (ONA) —- The Sultanate of Oman welcomed the joint statement issued by the meeting in Aqaba in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which included Jordanian, Egyptian, Israeli, Palestinian and American officials.Oman hoped that the understandings that took place will lead to de-escalation and prevent the cycle of violence between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as well as committing to what was agreed upon.In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Oman reiterated its unwavering stance towards the Palestinian cause by ...

Foreign Minister Receives Russian Deputy Foreign MinisterMuscat, 23 Feb (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received here today Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa.This came within the framework of the Russian minister’s visit to the Sultanate of Oman to hold bilateral political talks. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed areas of mutual cooperation. They also exchanged views on various regional and international matters of common interest. The ...

Oman, Russia Hold Political Talks Session Muscat, 23 Feb (ONA) --- A session of political talks was held here today between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation. The Omani side was headed during the session by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, while the Russian side was headed by Mikhail Bogdanov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister.During the session, the two sides reviewed areas of mutual interest and discussed means of ...

1st Oman-US Strategic Dialogue Kicks off Muscat, 23 Feb (ONA) --- Deliberations of the 1st Oman-US Strategic Dialogue kicked off in Muscat today. The Omani side was led by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs whilst the US side was chaired by Jose W. Fernandez, US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. The Strategic Dialogue discussed topics related to maximizing the benefit from the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, increasing US investments in priority sectors ...