Iraq and Oman deepen ties in 'historic' diplomatic visit

Both countries also shared aspirations for regional peace and prosperity amid broader challenges facing the Middle East

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, third from left, meets Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani during a visit to Baghdad on Sunday. @OmanNewsAgency

Oman's Badr Al Busaidi met Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani in Baghdad on Sunday during the first official visit to Iraq by an Omani foreign minister. Mr Al Busaidi attended the ministerial level Omani-Iraqi Joint Committee, signalling a new era of collaboration between the two nations.

“It is indeed an important and historic visit, for the first time an Omani foreign minister visits Baghdad,” Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told a joint media conference. During the meetings, preliminary agreements were signed across several vital sectors, including trade, economy, political co-operation, culture and investment, Mr Hussein said.

The agreements reflect a shared commitment to enhance co-operation and fostering economic and diplomatic ties to benefit both countries, he added. “There are significant opportunities in Iraq, and we have invited Omani companies to engage in this sector,” he said.

Mr Al Busaidi hailed the “strong relations and historic ties” between Iraq and Oman, saying a “great emphasis is placed on fostering co-operation and partnerships aimed at deepening mutual interests and achieving greater benefits for both countries”.

Mr Hussein addressed pressing regional issues, calling for an end to the war in Gaza, caused by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year that killed about 1,200 people, and underlining Iraq’s position in support of peace and humanitarian efforts.

That led to Israeli military action that has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians.

“There are broad and shared understandings with the Omani side on this matter,” he said. “We support the Palestinian cause and advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as opening avenues for the people of Gaza, who are suffering greatly due to the ongoing aggression against them,” he added.

Both sides also discussed the situation in Syria, where rebels led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) toppled Bashar Al Assad’s regime in a lightning offensive that culminated on December 8. The former president fled to Moscow, where he was granted asylum, along with his family, on humanitarian grounds, ending more than five decades of his family's rule.

Photographs of missing prisoners of the Assad regime on display on Marjeh Square in Damascus, Syria. Reuters

Mr Hussein expressed concerns over the continuing situation in Syria, warning of the potential resurgence of ISIS. He emphasised Iraq’s determination to work with regional partners, including Oman, to ensure stability and prevent security threats from escalating.

“We respect the Syrian people's choice but at the same time we are studying the situation in Syria and the changes there,” he said. “Our concern is evident regarding the growth and expansion of terrorist organisations, particularly ISIS, across the border inside Syria,” he added, warning that the numbers of extremist-group militants have increased and that they have more weapons.

ISIS overran large parts of Iraq and Syria, in the summer of 2014, declaring a caliphate that took in large areas of both countries. During that time, it led a campaign of widespread and systematic violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Iraqi troops, backed by a US-led international coalition, reclaimed all ISIS-held territory in Iraq in late 2017, after three years of fighting. However, ISIS fighters still carry out sporadic attacks, mainly in rural areas. The US has about 900 troops left in north-eastern Syria who are tasked with fighting ISIS.

Since taking over Damascus, HTS has appointed a new interim government and urged Syrians abroad, some of whom have been displaced for more than a decade, to return to their homeland.

Iraq supports Syria in establishing an inclusive political process, Mr Hussein said. “We hope the political process will bring stability in Syria, boost good neighbourliness and regional co-operation, and bring the representatives of all components of the people,” he added. Mr Al Busaidi stressed the "necessity of exerting diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflicts and enhance security and stability in the region".