Oman and Belarus review ties; eye more cooperation

MUSCAT: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, received Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus. They reviewed the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Oman and Belarus, and explored ways to further strengthen and develop them across various domains in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both nations.
The ministers addressed the ongoing war in the region and its wide-ranging repercussions. They affirmed the importance of de-escalation and the cessation of all military actions, and underscored the necessity of adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty of states, and advancing peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy. Such efforts contribute to the consolidation of security and stability, while ensuring the sustainability of energy supply chains and the safety of international trade routes. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Nasser bin Sulaiman al Harthy, Ambassador Munther bin Mahfoudh al Manthri, Head of the Europe Department at the Foreign Ministry, and Yevgeny Sobolevsky, Ambassador of Belarus to Oman.

Healthcare road map
In a meeting, Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and Alexander Khodzhayev, Minister of Health of Belarus, discussed matters of mutual interest and reviewed ways to expand the scope of partnership and cooperation across various health-related domains. They signed a road map concerning cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical education.
Dr Hilal affirmed that international cooperation between Oman and other nations serves as a fundamental pillar for benefiting from the experiences and expertise of other countries across various fields. This visit was preceded by a visit of officials from the Omani Ministry of Health to the Republic of Belarus, during which a memorandum of understanding for health cooperation was signed between the two friendly nations. The MoU has since begun to yield results through the implementation of several areas of bilateral cooperation. He further underscored Oman's commitment to benefiting from the Belarusian health experience in oncology, cardiology, organ transplantation and pharmaceuticals. He also noted the interest of Belarusian health officials to benefit from Omani expertise and experiences. Meanwhile, the visiting minister and his accompanying delegation toured the National Centre for Virtual Health at the Ministry of Health, where they received a detailed briefing on its departments and the important role entrusted to it. The guest also visited the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The Minister of Health of Belarus was also introduced to the modern equipment and capabilities housed within these two institutions, including advanced therapeutic and diagnostic devices, as well as the cutting-edge health services they provide to patients, beneficiaries and researchers.
Agriculture tie-ups
Oman and Belarus discussed opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, agricultural technologies, and efficient water resource management. The discussions also covered supporting innovation and investment in the agricultural and livestock sectors to enhance added value and raise production efficiency. This took place during an official session of talks held by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, with Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and his accompanying delegation. The session, held in Muscat, reviewed the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and explored ways to develop them. An agreement was reached to continue framing these relations through further agreements and memoranda of understanding during the coming period, aiming to enhance mutual interests and expand the horizons for bilateral cooperation.
Dr Al Habsi expressed Oman’s aspiration to expand the horizons of joint cooperation in a manner that contributes to enhancing agricultural and livestock production, achieving sustainability, and supporting the food security system. Ryzhenkov praised the comprehensive developmental Renaissance witnessed by Oman in various sectors under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. He affirmed his country's keenness to strengthen the partnership with the Sultanate of Oman and support its efforts in achieving food security. — ONA