Oman and Jordan issue joint statement
In strengthening the close fraternal ties that bind the Sultanate of Oman and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, their wise leaderships, and their brotherly peoples, and responding to a gracious invitation from His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman paid a state visit to Jordan on Wednesday and Thursday, 22nd and 23rd May 2024.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein held a session of talks, followed by an expanded session that included members of both delegations. The discussions were marked by a spirit of friendship and fraternity, reflecting the deep-rooted historical ties between the two brotherly countries. They reviewed bilateral cooperation in various fields and explored ways to enhance that cooperation to meet the aspirations of their peoples.
His Majesty congratulated King Abdullah on the occasion of the Kingdom's celebration of the silver jubilee of His Majesty's assumption of power.
Their Majesties expressed their pride in the deep-rooted, long-standing relations between Jordan and Oman and stressed their keenness to build on these relations to strengthen cooperation mechanisms in various fields, aiming to achieve mutually desired integration.
Their Majesties praised the cooperation achieved between the two countries following the visit of His Majesty King Abdullah II to Oman in October 2022, and after the 11th session of the Jordanian-Omani Joint Higher Committee in July 2023, chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries. They highlighted the progress made in several vital sectors, including pharmaceuticals, mining, information and communication technology and real estate development, among others.
They emphasised the importance of continuing to develop bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly in sectors related to Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision and Oman Vision 2040.
They also stressed the need to implement the agreements, memorandums of understanding, and executive programs signed between the two countries, translating them into practical steps that positively reflect the interests of the two brotherly countries. Additionally, they called for increased communication and exchange of visits between various concerned parties in both countries to explore and pursue further cooperation opportunities.
On the sidelines of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Jordanian Social Security Investment Fund and the Oman Investment Authority to explore opportunities for joint investment and establish new projects in Jordan.
In the context of coordination and consultation, Their Majesties discussed ways to enhance joint Arab action to address current issues, emerging challenges and to serve Arab causes.
Their Majesties reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the necessity of reaching a just solution that ends the occupation and fulfils all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
They welcomed the decisions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognise the State of Palestine as a significant step affirming that the path to peace is the two-state solution, which embodies an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the borders of June 4th, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
They agreed that this is the only way to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region.
Their Majesties discussed developments in the war of aggression on Gaza, emphasising the international community's responsibility to stop it. They called for the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution imposing an immediate ceasefire, protecting civilians, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid delivery by all possible means, and preventing further escalation.
They stressed the need to continue providing necessary support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to enable it to carry out its indispensable role according to its UN mandate.
They also rejected any actions that could lead to an expansion of the conflict into a regional war, both condemning and warning against the repercussions of a ground attack on Rafah.
Their Majesties rejected attempts to separate Gaza from the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, considering them extensions of the Palestinian state. They also rejected efforts to displace Palestinians from their lands. They warned against the continued dangerous Israeli escalation in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem and the increasing terrorist attacks by settlers on Palestinians and humanitarian aid convoys.
Their Majesties stressed the need to maintain the historical and legal status quo of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. His Majesty Sultan Haitham expressed his appreciation for the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II to safeguard the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and to preserve their historical identity. His Majesty also appreciated the role of the Jerusalem Awqaf Department and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places, as the authority responsible for managing Al Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Al Sharif, which is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims over its entire area.
During the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Jordan, Their Majesties exchanged orders. His Majesty Sultan Haitham awarded His Majesty King Abdullah the Order of Al Said, the highest Omani order, in appreciation of His Majesty and the deep fraternal ties between the two countries and their brotherly peoples.
His Majesty King Abdullah awarded His Majesty Sultan Haitham the decoration of Hussein bin Ali, the highest civilian order in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in appreciation of His Majesty and to deepen the strong relations between the two brotherly countries.
At the conclusion of the visit, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to His Majesty and his accompanying delegation in Jordan.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.