logo
Shura Council receives Chinese official

Shura Council receives Chinese official

Times of Oman12-05-2025

Muscat — Tahir Mabkhout Al Junaibi, Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, received at the Council's headquarters today Xiao Jie, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, and his accompanying delegation.
The visit comes within the context of cooperation between the two nations and aims to enhance joint efforts.
The Deputy Chairman praised the advanced relations between Oman and China, stressing the importance of further strengthening and expanding these ties to serve the mutual interests of both nations across various fields.
Discussions emphasized the need to broaden practical cooperation in investment, energy, trade, and cultural exchange, as well as to enhance legislative collaboration between the two councils. The meeting also addressed the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest.
On his turn, the Chinese official expressed his appreciation for the growing Omani-Chinese relations on all levels, affirming that both nations have made significant progress in strengthening their friendship.
The meeting was attended by several Shura Council members and the Chinese Ambassador to Oman.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

We stand firm and resolute in our collective fight against terrorism: PM Modi after meeting Central Asian Foreign Ministers
We stand firm and resolute in our collective fight against terrorism: PM Modi after meeting Central Asian Foreign Ministers

Times of Oman

timean hour ago

  • Times of Oman

We stand firm and resolute in our collective fight against terrorism: PM Modi after meeting Central Asian Foreign Ministers

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, "Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply cherishes its historical ties with the countries of Central Asia. Look forward to working together to further deepen our cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, fintech, food security and health for mutual progress and prosperity. We stand firm and resolute in our collective fight against terrorism." India hosted the 4th edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue on Friday in New Delhi, reaffirming its growing commitment to a comprehensive regional partnership across security, connectivity, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties. The meeting, chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, saw the participation of Foreign Ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and produced a detailed Joint Statement setting the tone for the next phase of India-Central Asia strategic engagement. The Ministers began by reaffirming the deep civilizational, cultural, and historical linkages between India and Central Asian countries, while underscoring their collective resolve to build a forward-looking, enduring partnership. The Dialogue was praised as a key platform for addressing common challenges, strengthening multifaceted cooperation, and harnessing untapped potential to advance shared interests, including peace, security, and sustainable growth in the region. The Joint Statement recorded satisfaction at the progress made since the first India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022, noting advances across sectors. A key area of focus was enhancing trade and investment, with Ministers acknowledging the current levels and calling for expanded efforts in high-potential areas such as pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, energy, textiles, and gems and jewellery. Strengthening financial connectivity through digital payment systems, interbank relations, and trade in national currencies was emphasised, with both sides expressing interest in establishing a Joint Working Group to deepen banking and financial ties. Connectivity featured prominently, with strong endorsement of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). India reiterated its support for the membership of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in INSTC, and Kazakhstan was lauded for its work on developing its eastern corridor. Chabahar Port also received attention, as the Ministers welcomed continued engagement and simplification of goods transit procedures, including greater use of the TIR Carnet system. India welcomed Central Asian interest in the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar as a key trade route to India and beyond. The Ministers welcomed the contributions of the India-Central Asia Business Council (ICABC) in fostering business linkages and investment opportunities. Acknowledging India's ITEC Programme, the Central Asian countries appreciated its role in capacity building, particularly in IT and English language training, and India agreed to broaden its scope to cover additional areas of mutual interest. Expanding technology cooperation was a major theme, with both sides agreeing to promote partnerships in science, space, innovation, and digital infrastructure. Central Asian countries noted India Stack's role in digital transformation, and India agreed to assist in developing Digital Public Infrastructure in the region. The Ministers also agreed to launch an India-Central Asia Digital Partnership Forum, with Uzbekistan offering to host the first meeting. In areas of development partnership, the Ministers stressed joint collaboration in healthcare, food and energy security, public health, and digital innovation. The sides committed to deepening cooperation in healthcare infrastructure, medical tourism, traditional medicine, and UHC models, with the possibility of creating a Joint Working Group on health, the press release stated. Mineral exploration also featured in the talks, with renewed focus on rare earth and critical minerals. Building on the first India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum in 2024, the Ministers called for holding its second edition soon and encouraged delegation exchanges to explore new areas of cooperation. India's recent capacity building initiatives, such as training programmes on Drug Law Enforcement and Countering Terror Financing, were acknowledged as important steps. The Ministers agreed to continue these exchanges under the banner of South-South cooperation and welcomed collaboration with India's Global South Centre of Excellence "DAKSHIN." Cultural ties were also emphasised. Noting longstanding civilisational connections, the Ministers agreed to further strengthen cultural, educational, and humanitarian cooperation. Tajikistan offered to host the second meeting of the India-Central Asia Culture Ministers. Indian Cultural Centres were praised for enhancing cultural diplomacy and bilateral understanding. Security issues were addressed with strong emphasis on coordinated efforts to combat terrorism. The Ministers unequivocally condemned the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming their collective stand against terrorism in all forms and calling for accountability of perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors. They stressed that cross-border terrorism, safe havens, terror financing, radical ideology, and cyber misuse must be addressed, and reiterated the urgency of adopting the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Full implementation of UNSC resolutions, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and FATF standards was also highlighted. In this regard, regular consultations among National Security Councils were supported, with the next round to be held in Kyrgyz Republic. The Joint Statement further noted multilateral synergies. The Ministers welcomed the designation of 2025 as the "International Year of Peace and Trust" and the upcoming International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat. They also praised the First High-Level Conference on Glaciers' Preservation held in Dushanbe. They expressed interest in advancing mountain development under the "Five-Year Action Plan" from the 77th UN General Assembly. The MEA stated in the press release that the Second Global Mountain Summit "Bishkek+25" in 2027 was acknowledged as an important next step. Ministers expressed strong support for the SCO's role in regional security and people-to-people engagement. They praised the Council of SCO Heads of State meetings hosted in Astana (2024) and India (2023), reaffirming Central Asia's centrality in the SCO and India's active participation. India, in turn, invited Central Asian countries to join key multilateral initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), as mechanisms for sustainable and inclusive growth. The Central Asian countries reaffirmed their support for India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. Afghanistan was also discussed, with shared emphasis on a peaceful, terror-free, and drug-free Afghanistan and commitment to close coordination on related issues. The integration of the Termez logistics hub into the UNHCR global stockpile network and Kazakhstan's initiative to establish a UN SDG Hub in Almaty were welcomed, highlighting regional humanitarian and development efforts. Youth diplomacy was also recognised, with support for continued student exchanges and emphasis on student welfare in both regions, as per the MEA press release. Concluding the Dialogue, the Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation across all shared priorities and prepare for the second India-Central Asia Summit later in 2025. They also agreed to hold the 5th India-Central Asia Dialogue in 2026 and thanked the Indian side for its warm hospitality and productive chairmanship

Oman welcomes ILO decision to upgrade Palestine's status to "Observer State"
Oman welcomes ILO decision to upgrade Palestine's status to "Observer State"

Times of Oman

time3 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Oman welcomes ILO decision to upgrade Palestine's status to "Observer State"

Geneva: The Sultanate of Oman expressed its full support for the decision made by the International Labour Conference to upgrade Palestine's membership from a national liberation movement to a "non-member observer state" within the organization. This step is based on legal and institutional considerations consistent with the principles of international justice, equitable representation, and fair participation in multilateral organizations. Khalid Salim Al Ghamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Labour Affairs, delivered a speech at the conference, affirming that the State of Palestine has consistently engaged in active and responsible participation in the organization's work. He emphasized that Palestine has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to international labour standards and has cooperated constructively with the ILO's various mechanisms. Despite the exceptional challenges it faces, granting Palestine "observer member" status will enhance its ability to convey the realities of Palestinian workers and defend their rights through official and institutional channels, Al-Ghamari noted. He stated that this decision is a technical measure that strengthens the ILO's efficiency and inclusivity, reflecting its commitment to enabling all relevant parties to contribute to achieving decent work goals and promoting fundamental labour rights, in line with the spirit of international conventions and the organization's founding principles. He added that voting in favour of the resolution reaffirms the importance of multilateralism, inclusive engagement, and ensuring representation for all peoples in international organizations. It also reinforces the ILO's role as a platform for dialogue and understanding, upholding its foundational principles away from political tensions or narrow interests. During its 113th session today, the International Labour Conference, at the high-level ministerial meeting in Geneva, adopted the resolution with 386 votes in favour, 15 against, and 42 abstentions. The 113th session of the International Labour Conference began last Monday and concluded today, with the participation of tripartite delegations representing over 187 ILO member states, including governments, employers, and workers.

Pact to advance urban air mobility in Oman
Pact to advance urban air mobility in Oman

Observer

time12 hours ago

  • Observer

Pact to advance urban air mobility in Oman

MUSCAT, JUNE 6 AeroVecto, an Oman-based startup specialising in sustainable air mobility solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Romanian-based LYNEports, a digital planning platform for advanced air mobility infrastructure, to support the rollout of hybrid electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aviation services in Oman and the wider GCC region. The partnership is set to take advanced air mobility services, currently in its nascency in Oman, to the next level. A number of Omani startups, in partnership with key players in the global international, are gearing up to introduce uncrewed air mobility services for, among other fields, cargo deliveries, passenger transportation, ambulance services, medical deliveries and even disaster relief. AeroVecto is credited with developing Shuttle, a hybrid eVTOL aircraft purposely built for mass public transportation. According to the company, the high-capacity aircraft will enhance current ground-based public transport by enabling convenient point-to-point travel. With a focus on passenger volume and comfort, Shuttle aims to revolutionise urban and intercity mobility, introducing a new era of clean, efficient and scalable air transport. Through the partnership, LYNEports will assist in planning and simulating AeroVecto's Shuttle network, ensuring each site meets aviation-grade safety standards, operational viability and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, by leveraging LYNEports' AI-driven platform, AeroVecto can evaluate ideal locations, model flight routes and visualise integrated transport systems, accelerating the adoption of advanced air mobility across Oman. 'At AeroVecto, our vision is to make high-capacity aerial commuting a practical reality for cities across the region. We are excited to partner with LYNEports to advance vertiport planning and route optimisation of the Shuttle network, enabling efficient urban air transport for the masses,' said Fahad al Riyami, CEO of AeroVecto, in a statement. 'We're excited to support AeroVecto in bringing their innovative vision to life,' said Rasha Alshami, CEO of LYNEports. 'Their commitment to solving real public transport challenges in the region aligns perfectly with our mission to make AAM infrastructure accessible, safe and well-planned from day one.' AeroVecto's vision extends beyond aircraft development; the company is also designing "Shuttle Hubs" — dedicated vertiports strategically located in urban centres, coastal areas and atop buildings to facilitate seamless boarding and integration with existing transport networks. The Shuttle platform includes variants for cargo delivery, emergency response and premium travel, showcasing its versatility across sectors. Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has initiated the formulation of a national AAM strategy. This strategy focuses on integrating drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into urban transport systems to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity. Last July, Oman's national passenger transportation company Mwasalat announced a partnership with US VTOL aircraft manufacturer Odys Aviation to support the development of Aerial Logistics Programmes in the GCC based on the latter's hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, Laila. Additionally, with the goal of supporting workforce development linked to this emerging sector, a leading college in Muscat has announced a partnership with aircraft maker Boeing to launch the an Air Taxis and Advanced Air Mobility programme designed to provide undergraduate aviation students with opportunities for research, curriculum enrichment and participation in business challenges related to urban air mobility. Together with regulatory support from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other stakeholder agencies, these developments underscore Oman's ambitions to become a regional leader in advanced air mobility. HIGHLIGHTS Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store