MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun instructed their governments to begin preparations for the first session of the Oman–Lebanon Joint Committee, following high-level talks in Muscat aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation and addressing mounting regional tensions.

In a joint statement, both sides expressed “deep concern” over the continued Israeli attacks on Palestinian territories and the escalating violence along Lebanon’s southern border. They reiterated their unwavering support for the Arab position calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The leaders also stressed the importance of safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, urging full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They underlined the need to avoid actions that could intensify conflict or threaten regional security.

Oman and Lebanon agreed to accelerate work on new agreements and memoranda of understanding to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and science. Both sides said the launch of the joint committee would mark a new phase in strengthening institutional ties and supporting shared development priorities.

The meeting highlighted mutual respect for good-neighbourly relations and international law, reaffirming the two nations’ commitment to stability in the Middle East and closer Arab solidarity.

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