Muscat – Oman and Lebanon have agreed to accelerate preparations for the first session of the Oman–Lebanon Joint Committee and move forward with new agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across several sectors, according to a joint communique issued on Tuesday.

The statement was released during the official visit of Lebanese President Gen Joseph Aoun to the sultanate from December 9 to 10, hosted by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The two leaders held official talks in Muscat, reaffirming what the communique described as longstanding ties between the countries.

The leaders reviewed cooperation in political, economic, investment, banking and tourism fields, as well as transport and logistics. They directed their respective authorities to begin early preparations for the inaugural joint committee meeting, to be chaired by the two foreign ministers in Muscat. Both sides also instructed officials to finalise new agreements and memoranda of understanding designed to widen trade, and cultural and scientific exchange, with an emphasis on enabling the private sector to benefit from investment opportunities.

The communique noted the contribution of the Lebanese community in Oman and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral coordination to support development efforts in both countries.

On regional developments, the two sides expressed concern over Israeli military actions in Lebanon and other Arab territories, calling the operations a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They urged an immediate halt to hostilities, full withdrawal from occupied Lebanese and Arab lands, and renewed international efforts to de-escalate tensions, restore stability, enable reconstruction and ensure the return of displaced populations.

Oman reiterated its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and for efforts to reinforce Lebanese state institutions, including the armed forces and security agencies. It also expressed backing for Lebanon’s ongoing economic and administrative reforms.

Both countries reaffirmed their shared position on the Palestinian issue, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They underscored the need to uphold principles of state sovereignty, good neighbourliness and international law.

President Aoun thanked His Majesty the Sultan, the government and the people of Oman for the hospitality extended during his visit, conveying his wishes for Oman’s continued progress.