MUSCAT: Oman has welcomed Bahrain’s decision to normalise relations with Israel within the framework of the historic joint announcement between Bahrain, the US and Israel.

Bahrain has become the latest Arab nation to agree to normalise ties with Israel as part of a broader diplomatic push by President Donald Trump and his administration. The latest move follows a historic deal that UAE, US and Israel reached on August 13. Trump announced the agreement on Friday, following a three-way phone call he had with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

In a statement issued by Oman TV, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said, “The Sultanate welcomes the initiative taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain within the framework of its sovereign rights and the joint tripartite declaration on relations with Israel and hopes that this new strategic direction chosen by some Arab countries will be a practical tributary towards achieving peace based on ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.”

“And the establishment of the independent state of Palestine with its capital in East Jerusalem, which embodies the principle of the two states as stipulated in Arab and international charters and decisions, and at the same time reflects the aspirations and demands of all states and peoples who love a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East and in the whole world.”  the statement added.