News

Oman Expresses Sympathy with India Over Bridge Collapse Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) ---- The Sultanate of Oman has expressed sympathy with the Republic of India over the collapse of a bridge in the state of Gujarat, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry here today. Oman has also extended its sincere condolences to the Indian government, people and families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. --- Ends/AH ...

US Official Describes Oman’s Role as “Central” in Promoting Regional Security, Peace Muscat, 23 Oct (ONA) --- Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs of the United States of America (USA) underscored the central role played by the Sultanate of Oman in backing endeavours to achieve regional security and peace. In a press statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), she added that her visit to the Sultanate of Oman comes within the context of consultation and discussion of a range of topics and bilateral issues of regional dimension. She said that ...

Australia Announcement Backs International Endeavours Pertaining to Palestinian Cause Muscat, 19 Oct (ONA) --- The Foreign Ministry asserted that the announcement made by the Australian government to rescind its recognition of West Jerusalem as Capital of Israel backs international endeavours calling for commitment to the International Law and UN resolutions pertaining to the Palestinian Cause. The decision is a step to achieve just and comprehensive peace, enabling the brotherly Palestinian people to obtain all their legitimate rights and establish their independent state on ...

Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from Spanish Counterpart Muscat, 13 Oct (ONA) —— Sayyid badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister received a phone call today from Jose Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in the Kingdom of Spain.The call dealt with bilateral relations and means of enhancing cooperation in various areas, as well as the joint keenness to ink more agreements between the two sides.During the call, the Spanish Minister expressed his country’s support for the mutual visa waiver between the two countries, as well as at the level of the ...

Diplomatic Affairs Undersecretary Receives US Special Envoy for Yemen Muscat, 12 Oct (ONA) --- Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs received here today Tim Lenderking, US Special Envoy for Yemen. The two sides reviewed efforts exerted in supporting Yemeni parties to reach a political solution that ensures security and stability for Yemen and the region. The meeting was attended by the delegation accompanying the guest and several officials from the Foreign Ministry. --- ...

Foreign Minister Receives Credentials of Romanian Ambassador Appointed to Oman Muscat, 12 Oct (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister today received a copy of credentials of Florin Marius Tacu, Ambassador of the Republic of Romania appointed to the Sultanate of Oman. Sayyid Badr wished the ambassador success in carrying out his assignments. He also wished the bilateral relations between the two countries further progress and growth. --- Ends/Khalid ...

Japan, Canada to Formally Initiate Intelligence Sharing Talks Tokyo, 11 Oct (ONA) --- Japan and Canada agreed to formally start talks toward signing a military intelligence information sharing accord as their foreign ministers today adopted an action plan to strengthen cooperation on defense, economic security and other areas amid growing international threats. The launch of formal talks on the intelligence-sharing pact, or General Security of Information Agreement, is part of an action plan announced by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his Canadian counterpart, ...

General Consul of Oman to Mumbai Hands Over Patent Mumbai, 10 Oct (ONA) --- Jamil Haji Al Balushi, General Consul of the Sultanate of Oman to Mumbai handed over the consular patent to Manisha Mhaiskar, Chief Protocol Officer of Maharashtra Government. Al Balushi expressed his best wishes to the government and people of India in achieving further progress and prosperity. On her turn, the Chief Protocol Officer of Maharashtra Government expressed her best wishes of success for the General Consul in carrying out his duties. --- Ends/Anas ...

USA Values Oman’s Efforts in Backing Peace Process in Yemen Muscat, 5 Oct (ONA) --- The United States of America (USA) valued the efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in backing peace process in Yemen. In a telephonic press briefing during which Oman News Agency (ONA) took part today, Tim Lenderking, US Special Envoy for Yemen said the USA is in constant communication and consultation with the Omani government in a bid to support security and stability of Yemen. He asserted that his country highly ...

In Response to Omani Goodwill Bids, US Citizen Transferred from Tehran to MuscatMuscat, 5 Oct (ONA) ---In compliance with the Royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to respond to an appeal from the US government and, on humanitarian grounds, the departments concerned in the Sultanate of Oman liaised with competent authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran—which gracefully cooperated with Omani endeavours—to transfer US citizen Mohammed Baqir Namazi from Tehran to Muscat onboard an aircraft from the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), in preparation for his safe return home.--- ...

Oman, India Enjoy Strategic Relations: Minister Muscat, 3 Oct (ONA) --- V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs of India dubbed the relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India as “strong” and “strategic”. In a statement to Observer newspaper, the minister said that the Omani and Indian cooperation in economic, trade and investment fields has been accorded with a high priority. He added that economic and commercial relations between India and Oman have been robust. It is evident in the bilateral trade between the two ...

Oman-Jordan Relations Based on Brotherliness, Common Destiny: AmbassadorMuscat, 2 Oct (ONA) —- Sheikh Hilal Marhoon Al Ma’amari, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has said that “the deep-rooted relations between the two countries earn a special significance under the wise leaderships of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and King Abdullah II of Jordan.In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), the ambassador pointed out that Oman-Jordan relations lasted for decades and were further consolidated and developed during the reign of the late His Majesty ...

Jordan Strives to Cement Ties with Oman, Notably in Economic Spheres: AmbassadorMuscat, 2 Oct (ONA) —- Amjad Al Quhaiwi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the two countries share model relations based on their deep-rooted historical ties.In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Quhaiwi pointed out that fraternal relations gain further strength and continuity under the wise leaderships of King Abdullah II of Jordan and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.Al Quhaiwi underscored the significance of ongoing coordination between the two ...

Omani, Jordanian Relations Set to Explore Wider Economic Horizons Muscat, 2 Oct (ONA) --- Relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan assume significance due to their deep-rooted historical ties. These relations are set to accomplish more strategic goals under the two countries’ wise leaderships—His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and King Abdullah II of Jordan. The high-profile talks scheduled to be held during the official visit of the Jordanian Monarch to Oman, with effect from Tuesday this week, set a new milestone for bilateral ...

Brazil Holds Historic Election with Lula against Bolsonaro Rio de Janeiro, 2 Oct (ONA) — Brazilians are voting in a highly polarized election that could determine if the country returns a leftist to the helm of the world’s fourth-largest democracy or keeps the far-right incumbent in office for another four years. The race pits incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro against the former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. There are nine other candidates, but their support pales to that for Bolsonaro and da Silva. Recent opinion polls have given da Silva a commanding lead, the ...

Bosnia-Herzegovina to Elect Parliaments, PresidentsSarajevo, 2 Oct (ONA) ---- Voters in Bosnia-Herzegovina started today heading to the polls to elect the three-member head of state, the federal parliament and the parliaments in the two largely autonomous parts of the country.The main focus is on the election for Bosnia's tripartite presidency, which is the country's top executive and internationally representative body.Polling stations will be closed at 7 pm (1700 GMT). Initial results are not expected before midnight.--- Ends/AH ...

HM The Sultan, UAE President Determined to Jointly Boost Public, Private Sectors: Communique Muscat, 28 Sep (ONA) --- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have affirmed their determination to motivate the government and private sectors to spearhead joint efforts to develop and diversify commercial exchange and investments. The action seeks to establish partnerships between the respective sectors towards the realization of full integration between the two countries. This was stated in a joint communique ...

EU Vows to Act if Energy Lines Hit as Firms Ramp up Security Brussels, 28 Sep (ONA) --- The European Union (EU) suspects that damage to two underwater natural gas pipelines was sabotage. It is warning of retaliation for any attack on Europe’s energy networks, a senior official said today, as energy companies began ramping up security. The episode underscored the vulnerability of Europe’s energy infrastructure and further heightened tensions in the continent that has been rocked by the seven-month war in Ukraine. Seismologists reported that explosions rattled the Baltic ...

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Describes Oman-UAE Relations as Special Muscat, 27 Sep (ONA) --- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has affirmed that the historically deep-rooted relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the UAE assume a special significance, and that these relations are a manifestation of a uniform social and cultural texture. The UAE President pointed out that Oman-UAE relations stem from profound bonds where a broad base with family ties overlaps with shared interests. In a statement on the occasion of the state visit he ...

Foreign Minister Receives UN Special Envoy for Yemen Muscat, 27 Sep (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister received here today Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen. The two sides exchanged views on endeavours made towards expanding the truce in Yemen in a bid to realize aspirations of security and stability for the Yemeni people. The meeting was attended by the delegation accompanying the UN Special Envoy and officials at the Foreign Ministry. --- ...

US Vice President Asia Trip Focuses on Security Tokyo, 27 Sep (ONA) --- In meeting after meeting with Asian leaders, Kamala Harris, US Vice President emphasized the US commitment to regional security. The White House disclosed that Harris would visit the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Koreas. An official said Harris would tour the border area between South and North Korea this Thursday, at the end of her trip to Asia. The visit comes amid persistent concerns about North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. Harris today met with Han Duck-soo, South Korean Prime ...

Oman An Advocate for Consolidating International Security, Resolving Disputes Through DialogueGeneva, 21 Sep (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has ratified proposals made by the Independent Expert who recommended the establishment of a democratic and equitable international order. Oman supported the expert’s call for convening regular conferences under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) and developing stronger mechanisms to consolidate peace, security and coexistence.This was stated in Oman’s speech before the Human Rights Council’s 51st Session focusing on Clause 3, ...

US Aircraft Carrier to Visit South Korea Seoul, 19 Sep (ONA) --- A US aircraft carrier is to visit South Korea this week for its first joint training with South Korean warships in five years, Korean officials said today. The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and its battle group will arrive at a south-eastern South Korean naval base this Friday for a combined training. The move aims to boost the allies’ military readiness and to show “the firm resolve by the Korea-US alliance for the sake of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” the South Korean navy said in a ...

GCC Affirms Support to Yemen’s Security, Peace: Secretary General Riyadh, 12 (ONA)—Dr. Nayef Falah Al Hajraf, Secretary General of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has reiterated the GCC’s support for all United Nations’ efforts aimed to enhance security and peace in Yemen. This conveyed to Tim Lenderking, the United States’ Special Envoy to Yemen, by Al Hajraf, when he received the US envoy at the Secretariat General of the GCC here today. The meeting explored efforts undertaken to end the conflict in Yemen, including the truce announced by the UN envoy to ...

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Being Shut Down Enerhodar, Ukraine, 11 Sep (ONA) ---- Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been completely disconnected from the power grid and is being shut down, according to Ukrainian officials. "It has been decided to put reactor unit number six in the safest state - cold state," the Ukrainian nuclear authority Enerhoatom announced today, referring to the station's final reactor. Despite international warnings, Europe's largest nuclear plant has been under fire for weeks, and Russia and Ukraine blame each other for the ...

Oman Participates in GCC Ministerial Council MeetingRiyadh, 7 Sep (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman took part in the 153rd meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, held at the GCC Secretariat General in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Oman’s delegation in the meeting was headed by Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister. The meeting reviewed the implementation process of the decisions issued by the GCC Supreme Council in a bid to strengthen joint GCC action and boost efforts to realize future aspirations. The GCC foreign ministers reiterated the importance of working ...

EU Wants Price Cap on Russian Gas, Energy Companies to Pay Brussels, 7 Sep (ONA) --- European Union (EU) countries should set a price cap on Russian natural gas and seek a “solidarity contribution” from European oil and gas companies making extraordinary profits as the war in Ukraine drives up energy costs, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday. With winter approaching, the 27 EU members are struggling to contain an energy crisis that could lead to rolling blackouts, shuttered factories and a deep recession. Russia has already cut gas supplies ...

Liz Truss Becomes UK New Prime Minister London, 6 Sep (ONA) --- Liz Truss, 47, took office today as Prime Minister at Balmoral Castle in Scotland today when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth formally asked her to form a new government in ceremony dictated by centuries of tradition. Boris Johnson, who announced his intention to step down two months ago, formally resigned during his own audience with the queen a short time earlier. Truss became prime minister a day after the ruling Conservative ...

Oman Underscores Importance of Just Solution for Palestinian People Cairo, 6 Sep (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman underscored the importance of establishing a just solution for the Palestinian people, recognizing the independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the 1967 borders, and its accession to full-fledged membership in the United Nations (UN). This was stated during Oman’s participation in the 158th session of the Council of the Arab League in the Arab Republic of Egypt today. In his speech, Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and ...

EU to Unveil New Responses to Energy Crisis Brussels, 6 Sep (ONA) --- The European Union’s (EU) next steps for addressing the continent’s worsening energy crisis following Russian-Ukrainian war are expected to be unveiled next week, Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy has said. Many European countries have tightened their belts as energy costs soar. Russia’s energy company has continued its shutdown of a pipeline carrying natural gas to Europe. Von der Leyen, European Commission President said the EU’s electricity market “is no longer operating” amid ...