Maria Tripodi, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, today received Al Harty, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, at the Farnesina for consultations on strengthening bilateral relations and main regional matters.
During the meeting, Undersecretary Tripodi presented Italy’s proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue between Italy and Oman, expressing the hope that negotiations would be concluded swiftly so as to provide the two countries with a stable framework for dialogue and cooperation in the years to come.
Considerable attention was given to regional developments and the prospects for stabilisation in the Middle East and the Gulf. With regard to maritime security, Tripodi reaffirmed Italy’s interest in keeping the region’s main maritime corridors open and secure, reiterating Italy’s willingness to contribute to multilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening the safety of navigation and regional stability, as well as Italy’s long-standing expertise in the field of mine clearance.
Finally, the talks provided an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening economic, industrial and financial cooperation between the two countries. Tripodi emphasised the importance of fostering dialogue between financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds, with a view to identifying new opportunities for mutual investment and long-term partnerships. She also welcomed the growing presence of Italian companies in Oman, encouraging further initiatives in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, advanced technologies and defence.
