Oman and Iraq Pledge to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation into broader and more comprehensive horizons.
The affirmation came in a joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of Prime Minister Al Sudani’s official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on September 3–4, held at the invitation of His Majesty the Sultan.
During an official meeting at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah, the two leaders reviewed the historical and fraternal ties binding Oman and Iraq and explored ways to strengthen collaboration across political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields. Both sides highlighted the outcomes of the ninth session of the Omani–Iraqi Joint Committee in Baghdad in December 2024 and called for continued efforts to expand cooperation in sectors including energy, industry, transport, food security, banking, tourism, urban planning, and infrastructure development.
They welcomed the inauguration of the Muscat–Baghdad air route and endorsed the establishment of the Omani–Iraqi Business Council, with its first session expected to coincide with the upcoming Joint Committee meetings. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, particularly through recently signed memoranda of understanding on oil storage, marketing, and refining, alongside broader technical collaboration.
A series of new agreements were signed during the visit, including a mutual visa waiver for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports; an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion; and memoranda of understanding in central banking, securities, youth and sports, tourism, historical documentation, and other fields.
On regional issues, Oman and Iraq jointly called for the immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid, and the rejection of any attempts to displace populations or annex territories. They reiterated their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and its admission to full UN membership.
Both sides underlined the importance of enhancing Arab solidarity, strengthening cooperation within regional and international organizations, and promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law as the basis for peace and security.
At the conclusion of his visit, Prime Minister Al Sudani expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the government, and the people of Oman for the warm welcome and hospitality, wishing the Sultanate continued progress and prosperity under its wise leadership.
