Foreign Ministers of India, Oman hold virtual meeting

Our Correspondent

India and Oman reviewed cooperation in key areas of India-Oman strategic partnership including defence and security during a virtual meeting held between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Sultanate of Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi on December 2.

The two leaders reviewed cooperation in key areas of India-Oman strategic partnership including defence and security. They also held discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.

An EAM press release said that the two ministers exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues and agreed to maintain close cooperation in multilateral fora.

“EAM and Oman FM reviewed cooperation in key areas of India-Oman strategic partnership viz. defence and security, economic cooperation, capacity building and training, consular issues and people-to-people ties,” the release said. “They emphasized the importance of health and food security in the coming times and the ability of the partnership of both countries to address them,” it added.

The ministers noted the huge potential for expanding economic partnership given the strong complementarities between the two economies.

Mr. Jaishankar conveyed greetings on the occasion of 50th National Day of modern Oman. He thanked the Foreign Minister and Government of Oman for supporting the Indian community and the “excellent cooperation” shown in handling COVID-19. Both sides agreed to work closely to address the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic.
Jaishankar appreciated Oman’s gesture of establishing Oman-India Friendship Association.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al-Harthy, Oman Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs, and various officials from both sides, including Indian Ambassador to Oman Munu Mahawar.