Foreign Minister receives EU Special Representative for Gulf

Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, received Luigi Di Maio, the Special Representative of the European Union for the Gulf Region.

The meeting discussed aspects of existing cooperation between Oman and the EU, including maritime security and technical, economic and cultural cooperation.

Both Sayyid Badr and Mr Di Maio expressed their interest in supporting the liberalisation of trade between the countries of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council and in continuing to work to achieve the common goal of abolishing visas between the GCC and the EU.

The meeting also saw an exchange of views regarding the tragic humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli aggression. The meeting discussed the extent of the destruction of infrastructure, housing, and public and private facilities, as well as  the necessity of stopping the war and Israel assuming its responsibilities.

Sayyid Badr and Mr Di Maio agreed on the importance of the two-state solution in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions. They further agreed on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, lifting the siege imposed on Gaza and allowing the entry of all relief aid.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed Almaskari, Head of the GCC Department; Christophe Farnaud, the EU's Ambassador to Oman and a number of Omani and EU officials.

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