MUSCAT: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman on Monday issued a joint communiqué reading as follows: Based on their deep-rooted historical relations and bonds of affinity between the leaderships and peoples of the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and, to consolidate the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries, and in response to a valued invitation from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a state visit to the Kingdom on July 11 and 12.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud held a session of talks during which they reviewed ways to develop cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The talks were held in the presence of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
The two sides reviewed various aspects of cooperation and ways of enhancing joint action in many spheres. They commended the current level of coordination in political, military and security fields aimed at achieving security and stability for the two brotherly countries.
The two sides welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the establishment of an Omani-Saudi Coordination Council - co-chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries - to strengthen bilateral relations in all fields.
They also agreed to direct the departments concerned to expedite the opening of the direct land route and border checkpoint, which will contribute to the smooth movement of the citizens of the two countries and ease the connectivity of supply chains, paving the way for a highly anticipated full economic integration between the two countries.
The two sides welcomed the effective interaction between their respective ministers to discuss issues of mutual interest. They also directed the officials concerned to work on finalising a number of agreements and MoUs for cooperation in various economic, commercial, investment, security, cultural, diplomatic and educational fields and everything that might generate benefits or bring about prosperity to the peoples of the two countries.
ECONOMIC TIES
The two sides reaffirmed their determination to accelerate the pace of economic cooperation between the two countries, notably by encouraging government and private sectors to realise meaningful commercial and investment exchanges that will live up to the aspirations and expectations of their peoples and meet the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040. This can be done through the launch of joint initiatives covering key areas of cooperation, including investment in the Duqm zone, cooperation in the field of energy, partnership in food security and cooperation in the fields of culture, sports and tourism.
The two sides welcomed the virtual meeting of Omani-Saudi Business Council, which convened via videoconferencing on July 4 in the presence of the Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Head of the Saudi Chambers Federation and the chairmen of the Omani-Saudi Business Council. The meeting helped to promote direct and indirect investment opportunities between the private sectors in both countries. It will also speed up the rate of visits of business owners, the holding of conferences and exhibitions and the establishment of joint economic projects.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of environment, food security and the "Middle East Green Initiative” unveiled by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, all with the prime aim of serving the interests of the two countries at the local, regional and global levels.
The two sides lauded the efforts of the Opec plus countries, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with the participation of the Sultanate of Oman, noting that such efforts brought about stability and balance to oil markets, despite weak demand resulting from the successive waves of the Coronavirus pandemic that still cripples a large part of the world. To this effect, the two sides stressed the necessity of maintaining cooperation to support oil market stability.
They also welcomed support for cooperation towards adopting the "Circular Carbon Economy (CCE)” approach, endorsed by the G20 as an integrated and comprehensive framework to address and manage the challenges arising from greenhouse gas emissions. The CCE is an approach that constitutes an economically sustainable way to manage emissions through the applications of its four elements, namely reduction, reuse, recycle and elimination.
In this context, the two sides noted the importance of utilising sources of renewable energy and associated technologies, since they contribute to sustaining global energy supplies. The two sides agreed to direct the authorities concerned to study opportunities for mutual investments in advanced technologies, innovation, energy projects, renewable energy, industry, health sector, pharmaceutical industries, real estate development, tourism, petrochemicals, converting industries, supply chains, logistical partnership, information technology and financial technology (fintech) that may benefit both countries-bearing in mind available potential and opportunities in both countries.
The two sides also welcomed the participation of Saudi companies’ investment in quality projects that the Sultanate seeks to accomplish. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern and agreed to coordinate their positions in a way that would serve their interests and support security and stability in the region and the entire world.
YEMEN SITUATION
Regarding Yemen, the two sides expressed identical views on the need to continue their efforts to find a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis based on the GCC Initiative and its executive mechanism, as well as the outcomes of Yemen’s Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216 and the Saudi Initiative to end the Yemeni crisis.
The aim is to alleviate human suffering of the brotherly people of Yemen. The two sides also stressed the importance of coopering and dealing seriously and effectively with all aspects and implications, as well as repercussions of the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile file in a manner that will contribute to achieving regional and international security and stability.
They reiterated the principle of good neighbourliness, respect for the resolutions of the United Nations and international legitimacy to spare the region all activities that might compromise its stability.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik extended an invitation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud to visit Oman. King Salman expressed his appreciation for this invitation and welcomed it.
At the end of the visit, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik expressed his deep thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, and to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. His Majesty the Sultan valued the warm reception and unique hospitality accorded to him and his accompanying delegation. King Salman expressed his best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. He wished Omani people further progress and prosperity. - ONA
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