Muscat desires expanded economic ties with Kabul

KABUL (Pajhwok): Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to enhancing political, economic and trade relations with Afghanistan.

He renewed the commitment at a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi in Muscat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.

A statement from the ministry said the two sides discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between Kabul and Muscat.

Both sides reiterated their determination to opening a new chapter in Kabul-Muscat relations, focusing on economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

Welcoming his Afghan counterpart, Al Busaidi renewed Oman’s long-standing support for Afghanistan’s stability and development.

He expressed optimism about continued exchanges between the two foreign ministries, stressing the importance of sustained dialogue on exploring new partnership avenues.

For his part, Muttaqi highlighted Afghanistan’s achievements, including the end of decades of conflict, the establishment of balanced global and regional relations and restoration of nationwide security.

He underscored these developments as key opportunities for foreign investment, particularly for Omani entrepreneurs and businesspeople.

Expressing gratitude to the Omani government for facilitating operations of the Afghan Embassy in Muscat, Muttaqi outlined key priorities, including issuing work visas for Afghans, facilitating exports to Oman and resuming direct flights between the two countries.

kk/mud