A ministry communiqué confirms that Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, held separate meetings with several officials on the sidelines of the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on 18 October 2026 in Baghdad, Iraq. The statement does not mention the specific duration of the meetings. The discussions focused on relations and ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also saw exchanges of views on regional and international developments and discussed issues on the OIC session’s agenda. This suggests a prioritization of existing partnerships alongside engagement with the broader OIC forum.
Context
The meetings undertaken by Alharthy represent a continuation of Oman’s diplomatic engagement with key regional partners. The OIC session in Baghdad serves as a platform for these bilateral discussions, providing a structured environment to address shared concerns and explore opportunities for collaboration. The inclusion of Uzbekistan, Iraq, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan indicates Oman’s strategic interest in fostering relationships across a geographically diverse group of nations. The statement does not address Oman’s broader foreign policy objectives within the context of the OIC. The presence of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security and the Women’s Development Organisation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation highlights a focus on specific areas of development cooperation.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield further discussions on regional security dynamics, particularly concerning developments in the broader Middle East, Oman’s position will be closely watched. If implemented as described, the meetings could lead to the establishment of working groups or joint projects focused on food security and women’s empowerment. The statement does not mention any concrete outcomes from the meetings. Further diplomatic activity is planned, with Alharthy scheduled to meet with Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, and Sarah bint Ismail Al Shouri, Executive Director of the Women’s Development Organisation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. This suggests a continued commitment to supporting these organizations and their respective mandates.
The statement does not mention any specific timelines for follow-up actions or the potential for future meetings. The statement does not address the overarching geopolitical context surrounding the OIC session, including tensions between member states.
The statement does not mention any specific funding arrangements discussed during the meetings.
The statement does not mention any specific details regarding the Islamic Organisation for Food Security or the Women’s Development Organisation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
