Muscat – Oman and the European Union took a step towards strengthening bilateral relations on Tuesday with the signing of an agreement to establish an EU diplomatic mission in the sultanate.

The agreement was signed by H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, and Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the new mission, together with Oman’s accredited mission to the EU in Brussels, will provide an institutional framework to advance shared interests and deepen cooperation across a range of sectors.

The ministry said the move reflects the growing partnership between Oman and the EU and their commitment to expanding collaboration in technology, energy, logistics, banking, minerals, infrastructure, food and water security, maritime security, and training and capacity-building.

The two sides also reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism and to promoting regional and international peace, security and prosperity. The permanent EU presence in Muscat is expected to enhance political dialogue and strengthen cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges.

H E Sayyid Badr said he hoped the EU mission would benefit governments, businesses and citizens on both sides, adding that it would help unlock the full potential of the partnership and broaden cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The High Representative of the EU described the agreement as a milestone in Oman-EU relations, expressing confidence that the diplomatic mission would further strengthen engagement and support closer cooperation.

During the signing ceremony, both sides reviewed progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding political dialogue and advancing cooperation for mutual benefit.