GovWire

The ninth meeting of the UK-Oman Joint Working Group took place in London on 27 April 2016. The meeting was chaired by Tobias Ellwood MP, Minister for the Middle East at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and His Excellency Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The bi-annual Joint Working Group was established to further strengthen and expand the close and historic relationship between the UK and Oman. These regular discussions also underline the friendship between our two countries.

Both sides welcomed updates on further improvements to the visa system, and heard about work being done to increase trade links. A discussion on education and youth engagement, led by the British Council, looked at ways to ensure the close relationship continues into the future through the next generation.

Other sessions focused on expertise sharing in areas of strategic communications, planning, and the economy. Both sides welcomed a UK commitment to offer further support and assistance to Oman in these areas.

Mr Ellwood and Sayyid Badr also exchanged views on recent political and security developments within the Middle East, and agreed to maintain an open dialogue. Mr Ellwood reiterated the UKs appreciation of the Sultanate of Omans diplomatic efforts in the region. Sayyid Badr expressed appreciation of the UK role and constructive engagement and consultation on a number of important issues.

Both parties were pleased by the progress made during the work of the Joint Working Group and expressed their shared commitment to continue to advance the relationship to the benefit of both countries.

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood on Twitter @Tobias_Ellwood
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice
• Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Google+

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