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.



MWL Chief: ‘Building Bridges’ Document Marks Key Shift in Islamic Cooperation

The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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MWL Chief: ‘Building Bridges’ Document Marks Key Shift in Islamic Cooperation

The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa said on Tuesday that the MWL’s “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools” document is a major step forward in promoting unity within the Muslim world.

He said the endorsement of the document highlights the combined efforts of governments and scholars to strengthen solidarity, counter division, and serve the Muslim community.

During its 50th session in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) approved the document.

Issued by the MWL, it aims to heal sectarian divisions by promoting dialogue based on Islamic teachings. The document seeks to end long-standing disputes that have caused divisions within the Muslim community, urging a shift from unproductive debates to meaningful discussions.

The document was first presented in March at the “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects,” held under the patronage of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

It gathered scholars from various Islamic sects worldwide and contains 28 articles focused on unity through the guidance of the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings.

Al-Issa praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of the conference and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in uniting the Muslim world, emphasizing the Kingdom’s role in serving the Two Holy Mosques.