The statement underscored the strong ties between Oman and Belgium, based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace and prosperity. It also noted the importance of the official visit made by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium to Oman in February 2022, which further solidified the bilateral relationship.

During the visit, the two nations expressed their intent to deepen cooperation in vital economic sectors, focusing on maritime activities, port cooperation, energy transition, and green hydrogen initiatives. Both countries also recognized the significant growth potential in trade, service industries, life sciences, technological innovation, and space science.

A key area of focus for future collaboration is in investments, particularly in the strategic sector of port operations. Ongoing negotiations aim to extend the Duqm Port concession, a move seen as pivotal for enhancing economic ties between Oman and Belgium.

The statement further highlighted the shared commitment to fostering dialogue, encouraging investment-friendly policies, and exploring growth prospects in the aforementioned sectors. Both sides also pledged to continue strengthening academic ties and fostering cultural exchange through joint research, exchange programs, and initiatives designed to build stronger people-to-people connections.

Additionally, Oman and Belgium reaffirmed their dedication to promoting peace and stability globally, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to address regional and international challenges.
The Sultanate of Oman expressed deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Belgium for its warm hospitality and generous welcome during this historic visit. Both nations look forward to building on this strong partnership, united in their vision for a peaceful, prosperous, sustainable, and interconnected future.

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Days after it made a commercial passenger flight to the UAE, Israel’s national carrier El Al has announced that it will start cargo flights to Dubai on September 16.

The flight is scheduled to take off from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, the airline said in a statement on September 3. Unlike the direct passenger flight on August 30 which flew over Saudi airspace, the cargo service will fly via Liege in Belgium to Dubai, the Israeli airline said.

“The weekly El Al cargo flight to Dubai will enable Israeli companies connectivity in import and export from and to Dubai, as well as Asia in transfer from Dubai,” El Al said. The Boeing 747 aircraft will be carrying “agricultural and high-tech equipment” from Israel to the UAE on a regular Wednesday fixture in the future; the return flights from Dubai will be on Fridays.

El Al has been hit hard by the pandemic and is in advanced negotiations for a government bailout to avoid bankruptcy.

Saudi airspace opens up
Meanwhile, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on September 2 that Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to all flights from and to the UAE.

The same day, Saudi and US officials reviewed prospects for the peace process in the region and the need to resume negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to achieve a just and lasting peace. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, met Senior Advisrr to the US President, Jared Kushner, and his accompanying delegation to discuss partnership between the two countries.

Kushner, who was in the kingdom after a historic meeting between UAE, US and Israeli officials on August 31- September 1, said “fully normalised relations” between Israel and Saudi Arabia were an “inevitability”.

Saudi Arabia, like Israel and the UAE, consider Iran a common foe and maintains close ties with Washington.

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