Press release: MEPs praise Oman’s facilitator role in the Middle East region
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20. Dezember 2018 In Aktuell, Aktuell - Europa

Press release: MEPs praise Oman’s facilitator role in the Middle East region

An EP delegation headed by the AFET Committee Chair David McAllister discussed the means for a stronger EU engagement with the Oman leadership in Muscat on Wednesday and Thursday.
To enhance cooperation between the EP and the Omani Shura Council (Majlis Al Shura), MEPs highlighted the need for a closer political partnership during discussions with the Shura Council Chairman, Khalid bin Hilal Al-Mawaali and the Chairman of the State Council (Majlis Al Dawla), Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoodh Al-Mantheri. Oman’s role as facilitator and its commitment to the stabilisation of the region was underlined.

“Oman is an honest broker and a key partner in an insecure region. We praise its stabilisation role in the Middle East’s geopolitical order!” said Mr. McAllister

During their fruitful meetings with Oman’s Acting Undersecretary responsible for Diplomatic Affairs, MEPs addressed the key role that Oman plays in the resolution of crises, such as the current situation within the Gulf Cooperation Council. MEPs took this opportunity to reiterate the crucial need for GCC cohesion, as unity within the GCC helps to promote regional cooperation, peace and stability. The delegation held important discussions on the situation of conflicts in the region, particularly MEPP, Libya and Yemen. On the latter, MEPs discussed the situation at Oman’s border and the UN political and humanitarian efforts in ending the war in Yemen. Muscat also plays an important role in the region’s geopolitical order as a diplomatic bridge between Riyadh and Tehran. In that view, Omani counterparts praised the EU’s solid policy in maintaining the JCPOA.

In addition, Oman’s plans for economic diversification were discussed, with particular emphasis on the means to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. Omani’s interlocutors underlined the importance of their trade partnerships with Asian countries, particularly with India and China, which is deeply involved in the development of the strategic port of Duqm. MEPs expressed concerns about the conditions of migrants workers and discussed ways to better involve youth in the national job market.

 

Composition of the Delegation:

David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Arnaud DANJEAN (EPP, FR), Željana ZOVKO (EPP, HR), Ana GOMES (S&D, PT), Amjad BASHIR (ECR, UK), Javier NART (ALDE, ES), Klaus BUCHNER (Greens/EFA, DE), James CARVER (NA, UK).