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.



Iran FM to Visit Saudi Arabia to Avert Major Regional Military Escalation

 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a press conference after his meeting with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a press conference after his meeting with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP)
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Iran FM to Visit Saudi Arabia to Avert Major Regional Military Escalation

 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a press conference after his meeting with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a press conference after his meeting with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP)

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will arrive in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday morning as part of a regional tour aimed at averting a major regional military escalation.

He is scheduled to meet with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Iran’s ISNA news agency said Araqchi’s tour will focus on regional issues and efforts to end the “Israeli crimes” in Gaza and Lebanon.

Political Science Professor Dr. Saleh al-Khathlan said the Riyadh visit aims to avert a regional escalation.

Saudi Arabia will employ its efforts with regional and world partners to prevent the region from being dragged to a dangerous military confrontation, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Iran is in a very difficult position and it needs countries with political regional weight, such as Saudi Arabia, to help it out of the crisis it has found itself in,” he explained.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted Araqchi as saying that after consultations in New York and Doha, and trips to Beirut and Damascus, “I will continue these visits and head to Saudi Arabia and regional countries to seek measures to stop these crimes.”

The consultations are ongoing to stop the crimes and condemn Israel, he added.

“Iran has repeatedly said it does not want war, even though we do not fear it,” he declared.

“We are prepared for any scenario and all necessary targets have been decided. Our policy aims to end the conflicts and reach an acceptable truce,” the FM said.

Al-Khathlan noted that Araqchi is carrying out his tour in wake of the latest escalation in the region and the possibility that Israel could launch destructive attacks against Iran after its ballistic missile strikes last week.

Iran is facing major dangers and so the FM will focus with Saudi officials on averting escalation, he added.

Tehran fully realizes that Riyadh, given its strong ties with regional and international players, can assume a pivotal role in restoring calm and preventing the spillover of the conflict into the region, he stressed.

Ultimately, however, the success of regional efforts lies in the hands of the Israeli government and its American backer, he noted.

At the moment, the United States is preoccupied with its presidential elections and any uncalculated action may hamper the chances of Joe Biden’s successor, Kamala Harris, in becoming president, Al-Khathlan said.