DOCSLIB.ORG

En En Mission Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
En En Mission Report European Parliament 2014-2019 Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula 19.7.2016 MISSION REPORT following the visit by members of the Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula as part of the eighth EP-Oman interparliamentary meeting Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula Members of the mission Michèle Alliot-Marie (PPE) (Leader of the mission) Gilles Pargneaux (S&D) CR\1101467EN.doc PE580.941v01-00 EN United in diversity EN 1. Overview The top-level meetings held in Oman were conducted in an atmosphere of friendship, openness and mutual respect. Our partners were clearly extremely keen to develop bilateral relations between Oman and the European Union. Oman plays a major role in diplomacy, and both sides agreed that the diplomatic efforts pursued by Oman and the EU are complementary in nature, and that it is important to find political solutions to the conflicts in the region, as well as to ease the tensions among the regional powers. We pointed out to our partners that the European Parliament was the first EU institution to back the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strategic partnership in March 2011. Our delegation emphasised the importance of developing and forging closer ties between the two regional integration organisations and their member states. Closer ties and the importance of parliamentary cooperation were mentioned at each meeting, given the crucial nature of the direct link between parliamentarians and the public not just in Europe, but also in our partner countries in the Gulf. The media in the region is also very interested in the EU and the European Parliament, and our visit received a great deal of coverage. It is important to bear in mind that the first regional interparliamentary EP-GCC meeting held in Brussels in April was a great success, the regional dimension being a completely new factor in relations between Europe and the Arab Gulf region. It is also important to note that reciprocal visits are essential in order to secure closer relations between these two Gulf countries and to enhance mutual understanding, with the previous interparliamentary meeting having taken place in Brussels in 2012. 2. The main topics discussed during the visit The main purpose of the visit was the eighth interparliamentary meeting with Oman’s Majlis al-Shura. We met its Chairman, H.E. Khalid bin Hilal al-Mawali, along with other elected members of the Majlis al-Shura. We also met H.E. Yahya bin Mahfoudh al-Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council, and the other members of the State Council. The delegation also met Deputy Prime Minister H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al-Said, Minister of Commerce and Industry H.E. Ali bin Masoud al-Sunaidy, and Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al- Busaidi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We discussed Oman-EU relations (economics and politics, including the issue of Schengen visas) with Deputy Prime Minister H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al-Said and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We explained the legislative procedure with regard to Schengen visas to our Omani partners, who emphasised Oman’s interest in a visa waiver. We thanked Oman for cooperating with the EU in its Atalanta naval operation in the Gulf of Aden via joint exercises and the supply of essential provisions at Oman’s ports of Salalah and Muscat. During these meetings, as well as in talks with our fellow Omani parliamentarians, it was clear that there was a broad consensus of opinion as regards the major issues of concern to both sides (especially security and international terrorism), and the need to coordinate the efforts of international stakeholders and take a closer look at how the diplomatic efforts pursued by Oman and the EU complement each other, in particular as regards conflict resolution in the Middle East and attempts to find political solutions to conflicts in the region. PE580.941v01-00 2/9 CR\1101467EN.doc EN We jointly noted with regret the suspension of the talks on Yemen that were being held under the auspices of the UN in Kuwait, and called for the parties to return to the table. Although Oman may have fewer resources, less geopolitical heft and less ambitious aspirations than other countries in the Gulf, its traditional neutrality has enabled it to shine as a mediator. This choice to remain neutral is a way of safeguarding political stability within the country. Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has been in power since 1970, pursues a foreign policy that is personalised, pragmatic and largely based on bilateral relations. This approach is accepted by Oman’s neighbours. Unlike the other members of the GCC, Oman has maintained diplomatic relations with Damascus, has not taken part in air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and was the only Gulf country not to participate in the military intervention in Yemen. Oman has long- standing, close security ties with the USA and cordial relations with Iran, meaning that it has been able to facilitate behind-the-scenes dialogue between Tehran and Washington. Starting in 2013, Oman discreetly organised bilateral meetings which paved the way for the negotiations that resulted in the June 2015 international agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. Oman has also played a vital role as a mediator in Yemen and Libya, looking for common ground between those involved in the conflicts. With its reputation as an impartial mediator, Oman has the potential to help foster a rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran. However, Oman’s firm opposition to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to secure more thoroughgoing political and military integration among the Arab states in the Gulf, on the one hand, and its wish to maintain cordial relations with Tehran on the other, have strained relations with Riyadh. On economics, we discussed the impact of falling oil prices (oil production accounts for 50% of GNP and 75% of state income), the state’s financial situation, possible tax reforms, and the implementation of the economic diversification plan (Vision 2020). Oman’s economy is heavily dependent on the oil industry, but the authorities have taken steps to promote tourism, mining and port services. Our delegation expressed the European Parliament’s interest in promoting the involvement of European businesses, with their know-how, in projects designed to diversify Oman’s economy. We emphasised the direct link between increased investment and the process of diversifying the economy, and pointed out that SMEs are very important in the development of a diversified knowledge economy. In that connection, and given the lack of progress in the talks on an EU-GCC free trade agreement, our delegation expressed its wish for the continued, more structured development of trade relations on a technical level, and its keenness for investments to be stepped up between the EU and Oman (investment agreements have been an exclusive competence of the EU since the Lisbon Treaty, but in the context of the GCC they remain a matter for the individual member states). 3. Suggested follow-up o The next interparliamentary meeting with Oman will be held at one of Parliament’s places of work in 2017. It is suggested that preparations for the meeting should be made beforehand in pairs, with one parliamentarian from each side (supported by the secretariat and experts). CR\1101467EN.doc 3/9 PE580.941v01-00 EN o Continued multilateral interparliamentary dialogue (EP-GCC) will be an additional, complementary dimension of our dialogue with Oman. o The AFET Committee has already agreed to our proposal to invite Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al-Said to the committee. o A proposal will be submitted to the INTA Committee with a view to forging closer economic ties with Oman and the member states of the GCC, in particular as regards investments. o A request will be sent to the relevant departments within Parliament to work with the EEAS in organising a seminar aimed at members of the press from the Gulf countries on EU policies and institutions, including the European Parliament. PE580.941v01-00 4/9 CR\1101467EN.doc EN Annex 1 DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH THE ARAB PENINSULA 8th EP/Oman Interparliamentary Meetings 17-19 May 2016 FINAL PROGRAMME Tuesday 17 May 2016 Kuwait-City/Muscat 19.25 Arrival in Muscat 20.30 Briefing with Mr Kulach, Head of the EU Delegation accredited to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia Wednesday 18 May 2016 Muscat 09:00 Meeting with H.E. Khalid bin Hilal Al Mawaali, Chairman of the Shura Council 09:15 Official talks session with Shura Council 10:00 Meeting with H.E. Dr Yahya bin Mahfoodh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council 11:00 Meeting with HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers (No. 2 representing Sultan) 13.30 Visit at Souq Mutrah 16:00 Visit at the Royal Opera House 17:00 Meeting with EU Ambassadors HoMs followed by cocktail at French Embassy/Residence 20:00 Official Dinner hosted by H.E. Khalid Al Mawaali, Chairman of the Shura CR\1101467EN.doc 5/9 PE580.941v01-00 EN Thursday 19 May 2016 Muscat 08:30 Meeting with H.E. Ali bin Masoud Al Senaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry 10:00 Meeting with H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11:00 Press point PE580.941v01-00 6/9 CR\1101467EN.doc EN Annexe 2 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH THE ARAB PENINSULA 8TH EP/OMAN INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING 17-19 MAY 2016 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Members (2) Group Country Mrs Michèle ALLIOT-MARIE, Chair EPP
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Suddensuccession
    SUDDEN SUCCESSION Examining the Impact of Abrupt Change in the Middle East SIMON HENDERSON EDITOR REUTERS Oman After Qaboos: A National and Regional Void The ailing Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said, now seventy-nine years old, has no children and no announced successor, with only an ambiguous mechanism in place for the family council to choose one. This study con- siders the most likely candidates to succeed the sultan, Oman’s domestic economic challenges, and whether the country’s neutral foreign policy can survive Qaboos’s passing. THE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE FOR NEAR EAST POLICY POLICY NOTE 74 DECEMBER 2019 SUDDEN SUCCESSION: OMAN In November 2019, while presiding over Oman’s TABLE 1. ILL-FATED OMANI SULTANS National Day celebration at the Wudam naval base, Thuwaini bin r. 1856–66 Killed in his sleep by his Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has ruled his country Said son Salem bin Thuwaini for nearly five decades, looked particularly frail. It was correspondingly of little surprise that on December 7 he Salem bin r. 1866–68 Deposed by his cousin departed for Belgium to undergo a series of medical Thuwaini Azzan bin Qais tests at Leuven’s University Hospitals. In 2014–15, the Azzan bin r. 1868–71 Not recognized by British; sultan spent eight months in Germany while receiving Qais killed in battle apparently successful treatment for colon cancer. But his latest trip abroad coincided with rumors of a signifi- Taimur bin r. 1913–32 Abdicated to his son Said Faisal bin Taimur under pressure cant deterioration in his health.1 Although he has now returned to Oman, the prognosis for any seventy-nine- Said bin r.
    [Show full text]
  • Press Statement on the Delegation to the KSA and Oman on 23-27
    Press statement Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula European Parliament 04/03/2020 Delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman on 23-27 February 2020 The cross-party European Parliament Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula chaired by Dr Hannah Neumann and composed of three other Members (Eva Kaili - S&D, Greece, Cristian Bușoi - EPP, Romania and Matteo Adinolfi - ID, Italy) held an intense visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman on 23-27 February 2020. Saudi Arabia During the visit, Members discussed the socio-economic situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as political and security challenges in the region, holding meetings with different national and regional authorities They held a fruitful exchange of views with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E Adel Al Jubeir, who stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the region, with particular reference to the various regional crises. Members emphasized the need for a full respect of international humanitarian law, the need for a political solution to the conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Libya. The importance of cooperation between the EU and GCC was underlined during the meeting with GCC Secretary General, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Members discussed the past negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement with the EU, expressed their intention to strengthen EU-GCC parliamentary relations and stressed the positive role the GCC can play in defusing regional tensions between its members. In several other meetings, the members of the delegation were able to exchange views on the process of social and economic transformation recently undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with particular emphasis to environmental issues and women empowerment.
    [Show full text]
  • Oman in Focus 2010 Final.Pdf
    Advisory services Concept to commissioning Ambassador’s Desk Feasibility studies Basic engineering FEED Detailed engineering EPCM services Oman’s 40th National Day PMC services Procurement solutions Pipelines Offshore topsides LNG, LPG, CNG Petroleum storage facilities Refineries Petrochemicals facilities Onshore surface facilities Heavy oil processing Clean development mechanism Carbon capture and storage Kapoor Deepak : Photo would like to share with you Sultanate of Oman’s historic tryst with the Renaissance which began I exactly 40 years ago. This new dawn of progress and prosperity has been remarkable. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said had promised to transform the country “‘into a prosperous one with a bright future”’ and called on people to work in unity and cooperation for transforming the future of the nation. It turned into reality, as we celebrate the big achievement. This month of November,GLOBAL our beloved country Oman, SKILLS, commemorates the 40th anniversary of its National Day. It is a moment to celebrate not only the triumphs and achievements, but also the grandeur of the striving, the efforts LOCALbehind it, and the vision andEXPERTISE ideals which moulded it. Oman has made remarkable strides towards the development of its human resources which, in turn, has significantly contributed to its social development and economic growth. 0RWW_0DF'RQDOG_LV_D_JOREDO_PDQDJHPHQW__HQJLQHHULQJ_DQG_GHYHORSPHQW_FRQVXOWDQF The Economy was WXUQRYHU_RI_…ranked fourth in the__ELOOLRQ_DQG_RYHU________VWDII_RSHUDWLQJ_LQ_____FRXQWULHV__)RU_RYHU____
    [Show full text]
  • A Critical Analysis of the Omani Newspapers' Coverage of the 2011
    The Sultanate of Silence: A critical analysis of the Omani newspapers’ coverage of the 2011 protests A thesis submitted to Cardiff University in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Moza Abdullah Said Al-Rawahi Cardiff School of Journalism, Media, and Cultural Studies October 2019 * ii Dedication This thesis is dedicated in loving memory of my parents, Abdullah Al-Rawahi and Maryam Al-Aghbari. This work is in recognition of their dedication and devotion to the advancement of my education. I still remember the day when my mother sold her precious gold necklaces for the sake of my education. This one is for my parents. May their soul rest in peace. v Acknowledgement First and foremost, I would like to express my immense gratitude (shukr) to Allah, who eases my journey in the search for knowledge. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in Oman, who granted me a scholarship to pursue my doctoral studies in journalism. I am deeply indebted to my respected supervisors Dr Stephen Cushion and Dr Arne Hintz for their invaluable guidance, constructive criticism, and passionate encouragement throughout my studies. I have benefited greatly from their extensive expertise and knowledge. I would also like to thank the staff at JOMEC, who gave me the opportunity to contribute to UG student learning by undertaking teaching for the Understanding Journalism module. Special thanks to the Bute Library staff who were always there for me, ready with offers of help. Thanks are also due to my Mum, who died a month before the completion of this thesis: “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother” (Abraham Lincoln).
    [Show full text]
  • Political Stability in Contemporary Monarchies: the Case of Oman
    College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University DigitalCommons@CSB/SJU All College Thesis Program, 2016-present Honors Program 7-8-2019 Political Stability in Contemporary Monarchies: The Case of Oman Jordan Gemilere College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/honors_thesis Recommended Citation Gemilere, Jordan, "Political Stability in Contemporary Monarchies: The Case of Oman" (2019). All College Thesis Program, 2016-present. 69. https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/honors_thesis/69 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@CSB/SJU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All College Thesis Program, 2016-present by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@CSB/SJU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Political Stability in Contemporary Monarchies: The Case of Oman An All College Thesis College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University By Jordan Gemilere May 2019 Approved By: Dr. Christi Siver Thesis Advisor Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Pedro dos Santos Associate Professor of Political Science Collin Hannigan Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Jim Read Chair, Department of Political Science Molly Ewing Director, All College Thesis Program Jim Parsons Director, All College Thesis Program 1 Acknowledgements There are many individuals who I would like to thank for their support in the process of writing this article. I am especially grateful for the support of Professor Christi Siver, Professor Pedro dos Santos, and Professor Collin Hannigan. I have the utmost respect for the energy that each of them invests in their students.
    [Show full text]
  • India-Oman Relations the Sultanate of Oman Is a Strategic Partner For
    India-Oman Relations The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner for India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor in the bilateral, AGCC, Arab League and IORA contexts. Oman also accords a high priority to its ties with India. The two countries across the Arabian Sea are linked by geography, history and culture. Both countries enjoy warm and cordial relations, which can be ascribed to historical maritime trade linkages, intimacy of the royal family with India and the seminal role of the Indian expatriate community in the building of Oman, which is acknowledged by the Omani Government. Bilateral Visits: Visits at the highest level have been exchanged frequently between India and Oman. President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1996) and Vice-President Shri Krishna Kant (1999) visited Oman. Four Prime Ministers have visited the Sultanate: Shri Rajiv Gandhi (1985), Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao (1993), Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998) and Dr. Manmohan Singh (2008). His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said visited India in 1997. His Majesty has an open invitation to visit India, including to receive the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding. His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, visited India in December 2007. Ministerial level visits have taken place regularly. H.E. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs visited India in February 2014 and again on June 03 for extending greetings to the new Indian leadership after the general elections, thereby earning for Oman the distinction of being the first nation in the world to have sent a high-level dignitary after assumption of the new Government of India.
    [Show full text]