Oman, Bahrain Forge Security, Economic Agreements

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa upon his arrival at the Sakhir Air Base. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa upon his arrival at the Sakhir Air Base. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Oman, Bahrain Forge Security, Economic Agreements

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa upon his arrival at the Sakhir Air Base. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa upon his arrival at the Sakhir Air Base. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman signed a set of agreements that included cooperation in the field of security, maritime transport, ports and investment promotion.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq arrived in Bahrain on Monday, on a two-day official visit. He was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base.

The two leaders held talks on current developments and a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

According to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Monday’s meeting was attended by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and senior officials from both sides. Discussions focused on historical ties and regional and international developments.

The two sides reviewed “the well-established brotherly relations and ways to further develop horizons of cooperation and joint action,” according to agency. They also affirmed their keenness to “promote cooperation frameworks and bilateral coordination mechanisms in all areas that enhance the mutual interests of the two countries and serve the aspirations of their brotherly peoples.”

The Bahraini monarch praised “the comprehensive renaissance process, the developmental and civilizational achievements of the Sultanate of Oman, and its pioneering role in supporting joint Gulf and Arab action.”

The two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of agreements, including a cooperation agreement in the security field, which aims to raise the efficiency of the security services in the two countries.

The delegations also signed a cooperation agreement in the field of maritime transport and ports, and a cooperation agreement between the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies and Sultan Qaboos University on cooperation in the field of studies and research.

An agreement was also signed to establish a Bahraini-Omani Investment Holding Company.

The Omani Royal Court had stated that Sultan Haitham visit to Manama came “to consolidate the existing solid historical ties between Oman and Bahrain, and to affirm their keenness to strengthen relations and take them to broader horizons.”

Faisal bin Hareb Al Busaidi, the Sultanate’s ambassador to Bahrain, told the BNA that the visit “will constitute an important turning point in the nature of the brotherly relationship and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.”

He noted that the meetings of the joint committee were held on a regular basis to frame the existing cooperation and expand cooperation opportunities.



Faisal bin Farhan Stresses Diplomacy to Ease Regional Tensions

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Faisal bin Farhan Stresses Diplomacy to Ease Regional Tensions

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Wednesday reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to reducing regional tensions and preventing renewed conflict through comprehensive, sustainable diplomatic solutions addressing the sources of instability in the Middle East.

“Diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful means remain our priorities,” Prince Faisal declared during the third Saudi-Japanese Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh.

Prince Faisal highlighted the decades-long relationship between Saudi Arabia and Japan, built on mutual trust and respect, and identified maritime security as a key shared priority.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waterways in accordance with international law, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and other maritime passages must remain open, secure and free from threats.

The Saudi minister described Japan as an important economic partner and noted that Riyadh sought to expand cooperation in investment, energy, resources, supply chains, defense and technology, as well as the exchange of expertise and capabilities.

He reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia would remain a reliable partner for Japan, including in energy, while praising Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen economic resilience and stabilize global energy markets and trade.

Ahead of his visit to Riyadh and Muscat, Motegi noted that Saudi Arabia was playing a mediating role in talks between the United States and Iran and had seen its international influence expand significantly in recent years.

He pledged to deepen cooperation with the Kingdom as a strategic partner, particularly in ensuring stable energy supplies.

Toshihiro Kitamura, Japan’s assistant foreign minister and ministry spokesman, told Asharq Al-Awsat that cooperation between Riyadh and Tokyo was “strategic and encompasses all fields,” adding that future defense cooperation was possible.

Speaking at a news conference in Riyadh, Kitamura explained that Japan wanted to hear Saudi Arabia’s assessment of regional developments and strengthen coordination with Riyadh and Oman in support of peace and stability, particularly regarding Iran.

He noted that more than 95% of Japan’s crude oil imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring its importance to global trade and the world economy.

Kitamura also expressed serious concern over Houthi attacks in Bab al-Mandab and indicated that Japan aimed to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond oil under the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 framework, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.


Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Qatari Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Qatari Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed bilateral relations, areas of cooperation and ways to strengthen and develop them in line with the aspirations of the two countries’ leaderships and peoples.

The two ministers discussed the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, contain their repercussions and safeguard regional security and stability. They underscored the importance of continued coordination and consultation, as well as aligning positions on current developments to bolster efforts to promote security and stability across the region.

They affirmed their support for Qatari and Pakistani mediation efforts and the role they play in advancing dispute settlement through diplomatic means. They also stressed the need to continue joint efforts to ensure security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the region's vital maritime corridors.


Qatari Prime Minister Arrives in Riyadh

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Qatari Prime Minister Arrives in Riyadh

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday.

He was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji at King Khalid International Airport.