Oman, Egypt reiterate stance on Gaza reconstruction
H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, met his Egyptian counterpart Dr Badr Abdel-Aty on the sidelines of the session. Both firmly rejected any effort to displace the Palestinian people and called for stepped-up efforts to support the Arab plan for Gaza's reconstruction.
They also reiterated their support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Speaking after the meeting, H E Sayyid Badr said, 'This meeting comes at a critical time with growing challenges in the region, most notably the continued Israeli aggression in Gaza. We value Egypt's role in achieving ceasefires and easing humanitarian suffering. We fully support the Arab and Islamic initiative for the reconstruction of Gaza.'
He also highlighted the importance of resuming talks between the US and Iran on the nuclear issue, stating that dialogue and trust-building are essential for regional stability.
Abdel-Aty underlined the need to restart the ceasefire, secure the release of hostages and prisoners, and ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid. He added that Egypt is continuing preparations to host the International Conference for Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza once a comprehensive truce is in place.
The two ministers also discussed developments in Yemen, Syria, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, emphasising the need to respect national sovereignty and reject foreign interference.
The session also focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties. Seven memoranda of understanding and executive programmes were signed in key sectors including labour, mineral resources, investment promotion, media, food safety and religious affairs.
Both sides agreed to reactivate the Egyptian-Omani Business Council to support investment partnerships. Abdel-Aty said Egypt looks forward to 'a qualitative leap' in economic ties with Oman, citing opportunities in renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen and ammonia, as well as in agriculture, transport, education and technology.
He also noted the importance of linking the Suez Canal Economic Zone with Special Economic Zone at Duqm, including direct maritime routes between Duqm Port and Egyptian ports, to enhance trade. He thanked Oman for supporting Egypt, including backing Dr Khaled el Enany's nomination for the post of Unesco Director-General.
At the end of the session, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and cooperation in support of regional stability and development.
Separately, Egypt's Minister of Labour, Mohamed Gebran, praised the support given to Egyptian nationals in Oman and said Cairo is keen to enhance cooperation in workforce training and expand collaboration between the two countries' labour ministries.
Trump to discuss Gaza, Iran with Netanyahu next week
Washington – US President Donald Trump has said he will discuss the situations in Gaza and Iran when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
Trump said the US is pushing for a truce in Gaza by 'sometime next week' when asked by reporters if a ceasefire could be in place before a visit by Netanyahu to the White House, set for July 7. 'We hope it's going to happen, and we're looking for it to happen sometime next week,' Trump responded as he departed Washington for Florida on Tuesday.
He has previously urged Israel to 'make the deal in Gaza,' but on the ground, Israel has continued to pursue its offensive.
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