Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Holds a Joint Press Conference with his Omani Counterpart, Affirming Depth of Bilateral Relations

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein and the Foreign Minister of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman Mr. Badr Albusaidi, held a joint press conference on 22 December 2024, at the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad. This came following the conclusion of the work of the joint committee between the two countries, in which they signed two memorandums of understanding the first one on political consultations, and the second one between the Foreign Service Institutes of both countries.

During the conference Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted the profound ties between Iraq and Oman and affirmed that they go beyond commercial and economic aspects, to include societal, cultural and historical dimensions, in addition to diplomatic, political and security relations. The Minister pointed out that holding the joint committee at this level after a long time is a significant activation for the Committee’s work.

The Minister added that they discussed several significant bilateral issues and mentioned that a number of draft memorandums of understanding will be completed soon including a memorandum to avoid double taxation, another for tourism cooperation, as well as memorandums in the cultural and economic fields and cooperation between the Iraqi and Omani private sectors. In addition to a draft memorandum on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports of both countries, and memorandums of understanding in the fields of standardization and quality control, the Integrity Commission, and communications.

On the political level the meeting touched on the Palestinian issue, where the Minister stressed the need to cease fire in Gaza and open the way for humanitarian aid, as well they discussed the situation in Syria as the Minister expressed concern over the expansion of terrorist organizations on the Syrian-Iraqi border, and their control of new weapons. The Minister affirmed that Iraq respects the choices of the Syrian people and supports building a political process that includes all components of the Syrian people.

On his part, the Omani Foreign Minister expressed his pleasure to visit Iraq, noting that he conveyed a message from the Sultan of Oman to the Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, regarding strengthening cooperation between the two countries and developing partnership in the economic, investment and development fields. As well Minister Albusaidi expressed his country’s aspiration to participate in Baghdad International Fair, affirming the importance of signing the two MoUs, and continuing to work on concluding additional MoUs which contributes to enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

The Omani Minister added that the meeting was an opportunity to consult and exchange views on regional and security issues of common concern, underlining the need to intensify efforts to enhance stability in the region and resolve conflicts.