The United States and the Sultanate of Oman affirmed the strategic partnership on regional security and their agreement to support stability in Yemen.
In a statement issued after the launch of the first strategic dialogue between Oman and the United States, in the presence of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Albusaidi, in Washington, the two sides underscored the historical, strategic, and growing partnership on regional security.
The Secretary thanked Albusaidi for Oman's steadfast support in humanitarian issues, including its role in securing the freedom of US citizen Baquer Namazi from Iran, according to the Oman News Agency (ONA).
The two sides reaffirmed that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen and underscored their support for Yemen's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.
They called for a comprehensive extension of the UN-mediated truce and the launch of an inclusive political process that will allow all Yemenis to determine the future of their country.
"A truce extension will provide immediate relief to the Yemeni people through the release of salary payments and other measures,” the two sides stressed according to Oman's news agency.
Secretary Blinken thanked Oman for its vital role in securing the truce over the last several months and expressed hope that, with Oman's support, the Yemeni parties will reach an agreement on a comprehensive truce extension and put the country back on the path to peace.
On the Palestinian issue, Blinken and Albusaidi discussed their strong commitment to a negotiated two-state solution as the basis for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Recognizing the strength of the bilateral relationship, the two officials announced the commencement of the first US-Oman strategic dialogue, which will include three working groups focused on education and cultural exchange, trade and investment, and renewable energy.
The working groups intend to meet regularly and tangibly advance shared goals.
The joint statement underscored the importance of people-to-people ties, adding that the two governments are committed to moving forward to discuss the resumption of academic and cultural programs, and expand professional and research-led academic exchanges.
Both countries lauded the 2009 US-Oman Free Trade Agreement as a basis for expanding commercial opportunities.
They welcomed the upcoming signing of a memorandum of understanding between Oman and the Export-Import Bank of the United States, which will deepen cooperation in key economic sectors ranging from renewable energy to manufacturing.
They also affirmed that both countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening global climate action and supporting access to affordable, dependable, and clean energy.
Secretary Blinken praised Oman's recent announcement of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and Oman's target of producing one million tons of green hydrogen by 2030.
The United States welcomed Oman's continued leadership in hosting the Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC) and advancing regional peacebuilding through shared solutions to freshwater scarcity.
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Albusaidi affirmed that international disputes must be resolved peacefully and under international law.
