Oman and Switzerland sign outline agreements

The Sultanate of Oman and the Swiss Confederation signed in Muscat today several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.

The memoranda were signed under the patronage of Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, during his official visit to Oman.

The memoranda covered the fields of renewable energy and its technologies, tourism, healthcare, capacity building, and diplomatic studies and training.

An MoU signed by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals with the Swiss Federal Office of Energy deals with sustainable and renewable energy and its technologies. It aims to develop cooperation in green hydrogen projects related to production, processing, storage and consumption. It also provides for exchanging knowledge and expertise in relevant laws, regulations and policies.

The Foreign Ministry signed two MoUs. The first, signed with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy in the Swiss Confederation, deals with diplomatic studies and training. The second, signed with the Swiss Federal Council, relates to work permits for persons accompanying official employees.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed an MoU with the Swiss Tourism Authority. It provides for enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences and knowledge in the field of tourism.

The Ministry of Health signed an MoU with the Swiss company Hoffmann La Roche on developing cooperation. The MoU relates to  providing better healthcare, and a programme to provide local talent with key skills in the fields of pharmacy and diagnostics.

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health; Mahmoud bin Hamad Alhasani, Oman's Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation; Thomas Oertel, Switzerland's Ambassador to Oman, and other Swiss and Omani officials.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.