Omani FM in Baghdad to discuss easing Mideast tensions

Source: Xinhua| 2019-06-13 00:04:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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BAGHDAD, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday to discuss issues of common interests and means to ease tensions in the Middle East, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim and bin Alawi discussed the latest regional developments, ways of confronting terrorism and addressing the challenges facing the region, a statement by the ministry said.

After the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference in which al-Hakim said "we have discussed the role that Iraq and Oman can play in order to ease tensions, and to push for calm through joint Arab action."

The Iraqi top diplomat said the two sides have discussed efforts of combatting terrorism, and prospects of security cooperation to curb potential terror attacks.

For his part, bin Alawi expressed hope that the two sides will work to "consolidate their relation in the way that turned them to be a power point for peace and stability in the region."

Earlier in the day, the Omani FM arrived in Baghdad for an official visit and is expected to meet the Iraqi President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi.

His visit came amid escalating tension in the Middle East after U.S. President Donald Trump decided not to re-issue the sanctions waivers for major importers to continue buying Iran's oil when they expired in early May.

The United States has also increased its military activities in the region recently, citing a threat of Iranian "attack."

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