Omani-Saudi Coordination Council Advances Bilateral Cooperation at Al Ula Meeting

AL ULA: The second meeting of the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council took place in Al Ula Governorate, Saudi Arabia, with the aim of enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Co-chaired by Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the gathering underscored the strategic partnership between the two countries. According to Oman News Agency, Sayyid Badr highlighted the council as a strategic platform that aligns with the leaderships' vision to bolster bilateral ties. He noted the progress in relations since the council's inaugural session in Muscat on November 13, 2023, emphasizing achievements in economic integration, trade, joint investments, and cooperation in energy, culture, and tourism. The council has also strengthened political coordination on regional and international issues. Sayyid Badr remarked that the collaboration extends beyond mutual interests, contributing to regional stability and pros perity amid current challenges necessitating diplomatic and economic coordination. Additionally, he congratulated Saudi Arabia on securing the 2034 FIFA World Cup bid, attributing this success to the kingdom's ambitious vision. HH Prince Faisal praised efforts to fortify Saudi-Omani relations, emphasizing the leaderships' commitment to regional security and stability. He reflected on the continuity from the first meeting in Oman, which launched 55 initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation and integration, and acknowledged the positive outcomes of these initiatives. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of developing the council's work and enhancing its role in bilateral cooperation. Attendees included senior officials and members of the council's committees from both countries, marking a step forward in affirming the historical ties under the leaderships' directives.