Muscat- The 18th session of the Oman-UK Joint Working Group was held in Muscat on Sunday, with the two sides discussing bilateral cooperation and regional developments, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was co-chaired by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, and Stephen Doughty, UK Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The two sides reviewed Oman-UK relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation and broaden its scope across areas of mutual interest.

Discussions included opportunities to benefit from British expertise in education development, vocational training and sports, as well as measures to revitalise tourism between the two countries and promote cultural exchange and participation.

The officials also exchanged views on regional and international issues, with particular focus on current developments in the region.

They highlighted Oman’s diplomatic efforts to find solutions to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, with a view to supporting de-escalation and promoting security and stability in the region.

The meeting was attended by Dr Liane Saunders, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Oman, along with officials from the Foreign Ministry and representatives of relevant government entities.