Muscat: As part of the official delegation accompanying President Joseph Aoun on his state visit to the Sultanate of Oman, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raggi held a bilateral meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi in Muscat.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewing political developments in Lebanon and the region. Raggi highlighted the daily Israeli violations against Lebanon, emphasizing the necessity for Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory and release detainees. He reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to ensuring that all weapons are placed exclusively under state authority, extending state sovereignty over all its territory, and implementing international resolutions. Raggi noted that the solution must be diplomatic, as weapons have not provided Lebanon the protection it needs.
Minister Al-Busaidi expressed support for measures taken by the Lebanese government to assert its sovereignty and restore its national decision-making. Discussions also addressed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, including revitalizing economic ties, activating the direct flight route between Lebanon and Oman, and advancing twin-city cooperation between Sur (Oman) and Sur (Lebanon). Talks covered logistics cooperation, linking seaports, boosting tourism exchange, and expanding collaboration in renewable energy and the health sector.
Both ministers agreed to re-activate the joint higher committee, set to convene in the coming months, and to prepare new cooperation agreements for signature. They also underscored the importance of energizing the Lebanese-Omani Business Council and increasing private-sector engagement to support economic cooperation.