![Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad on January 9, 2024 [MURTADA AL-SUDANI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1911684518-scaled-e1705690790916.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has received an official invitation to visit the Sultanate of Oman, following a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi in Baghdad yesterday.
“During the meeting, Al-Busaidi delivered a letter from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, inviting the Prime Minister to visit Oman,” Al-Sudani’s media office stated, adding, “The letter highlighted the progress in bilateral relations and expressed a desire to expand avenues of mutual cooperation to serve the interests of both the Iraqi and Omani peoples.”
Both sides discussed the first-ever convening of the Iraqi-Omani Joint Committee at the foreign ministerial level since its establishment. Talks focused on enhancing trade, especially in oil derivatives, and strengthening collaboration to benefit both countries.
The discussions also addressed key regional developments. They emphasised Iraq’s call to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and unity while protecting its diverse cultural and social fabric. “The discussions also touched on the ongoing aggression in Gaza, efforts to support the resilience of the Palestinian people, and the necessity of consolidating the ceasefire in Lebanon,” the statement said.
Today, Oman and Iraq signed two political memorandums of understanding aimed at enhancing diplomatic collaboration and regional security, announced during a joint press conference held by Al-Busaidi and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein. Speaking after the 9th session of the Iraqi-Omani Joint Committee, Al-Busaidi emphasised the shared commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and transportation ties and confirmed Oman’s participation in the upcoming Baghdad International Trade Fair in February.