European Union signs agreement to establish diplomatic mission in the Sultanate of Oman
Muscat, July 21 (KUNA) -- The European Union and the Sultanate of Oman signed today, Tuesday, an agreement establishing a European Union diplomatic mission in Muscat, aimed at enhancing shared interests, contributing to the well-being and prosperity of both sides, and opening new horizons for joint cooperation.
The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the agreement was signed on the Omani side by Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, and on the EU side by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.
The statement added that this qualitative development embodies the "depth" of the growing partnership between the European Union and the Sultanate of Oman, and reflects their firm commitment to elevating the level of cooperation and opening new avenues in various fields including technology, energy, logistics, the banking sector, minerals, and infrastructure, as well as training, capacity building, food and water security, energy security, and maritime security.
It noted that both sides share a comprehensive strategic vision regarding support for multilateralism, with each playing an active role in strengthening the foundations of peace, security, and prosperity.
The statement affirmed that, in light of current challenges in the region and the need to consolidate sustainable stability, "this mission will provide a permanent European Union presence in the Sultanate of Oman... Alongside the Sultanate’s mission in Brussels, this will contribute to enhancing both sides’ ability to more effectively contribute to developing and implementing solutions that support security and stability at the regional and international levels."
For his part, Al Busaidi expressed hope, according to the statement, that "the European Union mission in Muscat will contribute to delivering significant benefits to the governments, business sectors, and citizens of both the European Union and the Sultanate of Oman," noting that the opening of this mission would support the integration of partnership and cooperation capacities in a manner that serves the interests of both sides.
For her part, the EU High Representative expressed her pleasure at signing the agreement, citing its "positive" impact, and stated that this event represents a "major positive turning point in the trajectory of relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the European Union."
The statement noted that both sides reviewed the progress of their work during the signing ceremony and reiterated their commitment to constructive engagement and their determination to continue political dialogue and enhance bilateral cooperation in a way that serves shared interests and benefits all parties. (End) M.J.B. / N.A.A.
