Latest news with #SheikhKhalifaAliAlHarthy
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman, Qatar explore means of enhancing bilateral cooperation
Muscat: Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs received here on Tuesday Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Sultanate of Oman. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations. They also explored means of enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Undersecretary for Political Affairs meets Dutch Ambassador to Yemen
Muscat: Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, met here on Tuesday with Janet Alberda, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Yemen. The meeting discussed regional developments, the latest updates on the Yemeni issue, and ongoing efforts to reach a settlement. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed Hashel Al Maskari, Head of the GCC Department; Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Sultanate of Oman and several officials from both sides.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman, Mexico celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman and the United Mexican States today celebrated the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between them, unveiling a commemorative emblem symbolizing the advanced ties between the two friendly nations. This took place during a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry in Muscat today. Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, commended the bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, noting that diplomatic relations began on 31 July 1985. He emphasized that this step has contributed to strengthening cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, and cultural spheres. He expressed Oman's aspiration to further develop fruitful relations with Mexico across multiple domains, underscoring the shared values that unite the two nations and their mutual commitment to building a partnership based on respect and understanding. On his turn, Aníbal Gómez Toledo, Mexico's Ambassador to Oman, praised the distinguished bilateral relations between Oman and Mexico, affirming his government's keenness to enhance all aspects that elevate bilateral ties to wider horizons in all fields. He also lauded Oman's diplomatic efforts in resolving numerous regional and international issues, as well as its steadfast commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and building bridges between conflicting parties through dialogue, tolerance, and respect. He stressed that Oman serves as a model for mediation and peaceful conflict resolution. He expressed the profound gratitude and appreciation of the Mexican government and people to the Sultanate of Oman for its noble humanitarian efforts in securing the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader ship, particularly the Mexican citizens, enabling their return to their families. He affirmed that celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two friendly nations presents a unique opportunity to set new and ambitious goals that enhance cooperation, increase trade volume, promote tourism, and strengthen academic exchanges through university scholarships, joint scientific research initiatives, and other fields. In a joint statement, Oman and Mexico celebrated five decades of productive and friendly relations across various sectors, noting that political consultations, economic and trade exchanges, and cultural cooperation have deepened mutual understanding and strengthened collaboration. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and expanding their bilateral relationship, expressing their determination to enhance cooperation based on shared interests and to continue working together for the lasting benefit of their peoples. The ceremony was attended by several officials from both the Omani and Mexican sides.
Times of Oman
12-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
13th WTO Accessions roundtable meetings begin in Muscat
Muscat: The 13th China Roundtable on World Trade Organisation (WTO) Accession commenced on Monday in Muscat under the theme 'Advancing Arab Economies: From Strategic Accession to Global Trade Integration.' Hosted by the Sultanate of Oman in collaboration with the WTO and the Government of the People's Republic of China, the three-day event aims to foster dialogue on global trade integration. Dr. Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion for Trade and Industry, emphasized that Oman's hosting reflects its commitment to constructive dialogue and strengthening multilateral trade cooperation. He noted that the roundtable sessions stem from productive collaboration with the WTO and China, providing a platform to discuss accession challenges and share expertise among member states. Dr. Masan highlighted Oman's proactive role in supporting developing nations' WTO accession efforts, including technical and financial assistance to Seychelles and the Comoros, underscoring Oman's dedication to international cooperation and shared development. He expressed hope that the discussions would unlock new avenues for economic and trade collaboration, promoting a fairer and more inclusive global trade system. On his turn, Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al-Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, remarked that holding these meetings for the second time in an Arab nation—following the 12th roundtable in Abu Dhabi (2024)—signals the region's growing role in advancing multilateral trade. He stressed that WTO membership serves as a strategic milestone for nations seeking global economic integration, fostering growth, investment, and competitiveness. Meanwhile, WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang praised Oman's post-accession economic diversification and reforms since joining the organization in 2000. In a recorded address, he noted that the region's share of global non-oil merchandise trade remains below 2%, with intra-Arab trade under 10% in 2022—a gap WTO accession could help bridge by spurring domestic reforms and regional integration. China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Yan Dong, emphasised the rules-based multilateral trade system's three-decade contribution to facilitating global trade and investment. The roundtable features five key sessions, covering topics such as GCC economic visions, trade's role in diversification strategies, Oman's economic diplomacy, and private-sector engagement. A joint Arab study on WTO accession best practices will also be launched, analyzing recent Arab members' experiences. The meetings aim to bolster Arab and international cooperation under the WTO framework while reinforcing Oman's position as a hub for economic dialogue. Since its 2012 launch in Beijing, 12 roundtables have been held globally, including at WTO ministerial conferences. The Abu Dhabi 2024 meeting marked the first in the Arab world. The opening was attended by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, alongside GCC ambassadors and senior officials from member states.
Times of Oman
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman, South Africa discuss bilateral cooperation
Muscat: Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, on Thursday received Anna Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of South Africa in several areas. They looked into prospects for holding a joint economic forum in Muscat, in addition to enhancing tourism cooperation by facilitating procedures and encouraging initiatives related to tourism. The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues. Al Harthy expressed his appreciation for South Africa's strong opposition to the genocide being suffered by the Palestinians as a result of the Israeli war. For her part, Moraka commended the effective role undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman in resolving regional issues through peaceful means. The meeting was attended by Saleh Mohammed Al Saqri, Head of the East Africa Department at the Foreign Ministry, David Mogobo, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Sultanate of Oman, and other officials from the two countries.
