Oman–EU cooperation entered a new phase this week as senior officials met in Brussels to enhance bilateral ties. The third high-level meeting between the Sultanate of Oman and the European Union addressed a broad range of shared priorities. Talks covered trade, foreign investment, green energy, tourism, education, and environmental protection. Officials focused on building strategic partnerships in sectors vital to long-term prosperity. Both sides expressed firm commitment to advancing cooperation through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Ambassador Munthir Mahfoudh Al Mandhari led the Omani delegation and stressed the importance of continuous engagement with European counterparts. Representing the European side, Anna-Maria Panagiotakopoulou welcomed Oman’s role as a stable and reliable regional partner. They discussed shared concerns, particularly the role of green energy in tackling climate challenges. Moreover, they emphasized the potential of education exchanges and technical training in boosting youth opportunities. Oman–EU cooperation featured prominently in all key agenda items throughout the session.
The meeting also saw participation from Ru’aa Issa Al Zadjali, Oman’s ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the EU. Several Omani ministries and institutions contributed to the discussion alongside representatives from the European External Action Service. These participants brought specialized insights into fisheries, sustainable development, and investment flows. Through active dialogue, both sides explored realistic steps to increase joint projects and technical collaboration. Oman–EU cooperation continued to emerge as a model for pragmatic diplomacy in an uncertain global landscape.
Outside the main meeting, Ambassador Al Mandhari held separate talks with Michael Karnitschnig from the European Commission. The two discussed Oman’s evolving role in the Gulf region and its alignment with broader EU regional policies. They agreed on the need for more people-to-people exchanges and expanded technical missions between Brussels and Muscat. Both parties also addressed regional stability and the importance of energy transition frameworks. These side meetings reinforced the core goals of Oman–EU cooperation by fostering institutional familiarity and sustained dialogue.
Looking ahead, officials plan to follow up with sector-specific workshops and technical working groups in 2025. Oman aims to capitalize on its green hydrogen potential and marine exports through structured EU partnerships. Likewise, the EU views Oman as a crucial link between Europe and the wider Gulf. With steady political will and growing economic synergy, Oman–EU cooperation appears set to deepen further. Both sides ended the session by reaffirming their mutual interest in long-term strategic engagement.
