Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, conveyed their contentment with the measures taken to enhance bilateral relations towards broader and more inclusive horizons. They instructed all relevant bodies to proceed with the implementation of joint initiatives and programs that will benefit both nations and their citizens.
This was articulated in the joint communiqué released during the official visit of Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, to the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday and Thursday. Below is the complete text of the communiqué:
"Originating from the historical, fraternal, and civilizational bonds between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq, and in response to an invitation from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, undertook an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday and Thursday, 10–11 Rabiʻ al-Awwal 1447 AH, which corresponds to 3–4 September 2025.
The visit signifies the exceptional relations between their esteemed leaderships and brotherly peoples. It also highlights their mutual respect and appreciation, rooted in the principles of brotherhood, cooperation, mutual understanding, and a shared dedication to strengthening Arab solidarity.
An official dialogue session took place between His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq, at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah. The discussions focused on the historical and deeply entrenched fraternal relations between the two nations.
The two parties assessed initiatives aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation to benefit the mutual interests of both nations and their citizens, expressing contentment with the measures implemented to broaden and deepen their relations. This includes the upcoming ninth session of the Omani-Iraqi Joint Committee, which will take place in Baghdad in December 2024, marking the first time the foreign ministers of both countries will meet at this level. Following this, practical actions will be taken to enhance bilateral relations across various domains—political, economic, commercial, investment, cultural, tourism, and sports—while capitalizing on the extensive and promising opportunities available in both nations in sectors such as energy, industry, transport, food security, banking, tourism, port and airport management, urban planning, infrastructure, industrial localization, training, and capacity-building across different fields. These initiatives are designed to foster economic partnership between the two countries, which includes the formation of the Omani-Iraqi Business Council and the proposal to hold its inaugural session alongside the Joint Committee meetings. In this regard, both parties expressed their support for the launch of the (Muscat–Baghdad) air route to promote cultural and tourism exchanges between the two nations.
The two parties expressed their approval of collaborative efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in oil storage and marketing, as demonstrated by the signing of two memoranda of understanding in these areas. They urged the relevant authorities to establish a joint technical team in the oil sector to improve consultations on strategic projects and enhance capacity-building.
His Majesty the Sultan and the Iraqi Prime Minister acknowledged the constructive and beneficial role that both the public and private sectors play in enhancing trade exchange rates between their nations. They expressed optimism that the ongoing and planned activities would result in a significant increase in mutual investments and instructed all relevant entities to proceed with the implementation of joint initiatives and programs that would be advantageous for both countries and their citizens. They also welcomed the preparatory efforts for the tenth session of the Joint Committee.
In this context, they appreciated the signing of a series of agreements, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation programs across various sectors, including an agreement for mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports; an agreement to prevent double taxation and combat tax evasion on income and capital; as well as memoranda of understanding in the areas of energy, oil storage and refining, central banking, securities, youth and sports, historical documentation and records management, tourism cooperation, and more.
Concerning consultations, the exchange of views, and coordination on current regional and international developments and issues, both parties stressed the urgent and permanent cessation of the conflict initiated by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people in Gaza and called for the immediate provision of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Strip. They firmly rejected any plans aimed at displacing the population, subjecting them to violence, annexing additional territories, or continuing aggressive actions against countries in the region.
Furthermore, both parties underscored the importance of ending the illegal Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, along with its admission as a member of the United Nations.
In relation to strengthening Arab unity, both parties emphasized the significance of collaboration and coordination between their nations within regional and international organizations and forums, aimed at serving their mutual interests and enhancing collective Arab efforts. They reiterated their dedication to establishing the foundations of regional and global security and peace, backing initiatives that foster peaceful approaches, and advancing dialogue and diplomatic resolutions both regionally and globally by adhering to international law, honoring international legitimacy, following the principles of good neighborliness, respecting state sovereignty, and fostering values of understanding and cooperation. These efforts are expected to yield greater benefits, prosperity, and growth for the region.
The Iraqi Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, as well as to the government and the beloved people of the Sultanate of Oman for their warm welcome and generous hospitality, expressing hopes for further advancement and prosperity for Oman under its wise leadership.
