As set out in a formal announcement, Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, met with Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on 28 October 2026. The statement does not mention the specific outcomes of the meeting, but it details the focus of the discussion: cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the WFP, and ways to support international efforts to address humanitarian needs and strengthen food security. This suggests that Oman is seeking to leverage its position as a regional mediator and humanitarian actor to contribute to global responses to ongoing conflicts and crises. The statement does not address the scale of humanitarian needs the WFP is currently tackling, nor the specific regions of operation where this collaboration is envisioned.
Context
The meeting, as outlined in the Foreign Ministry’s press release, represents a continuation of Oman’s engagement with international humanitarian organizations. The statement does not mention any significant shifts in Oman’s broader foreign policy, but the focus on food security and delivering aid to populations affected by conflicts and crises aligns with previous statements by the ministry. In March the ministry said that Oman is committed to supporting regional stability through diplomatic efforts and humanitarian assistance. The meeting with the WFP, a leading organization in this field, underscores Oman’s ongoing commitment to contributing to global solutions. The statement does not mention any specific funding commitments or planned projects resulting from the discussion. The visit also included Sheikh Mohammed Alqutbi, Head of the International Organisations Department, further highlighting the importance placed on coordinating with international bodies.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield a formal agreement on specific areas of collaboration with the WFP, the statement does not detail what those areas might be. If the meeting is successful in establishing a framework for increased coordination, the next step, according to the press release, would be “an exchange of views on the latest humanitarian developments at regional and international levels, and the importance of closer coordination to ensure the safe and sustainable delivery of food assistance to those in need.” The statement does not mention any timeline for further discussions or the implementation of any agreed-upon actions. It is also worth noting that in September the ministry reported on its ongoing collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The statement does not address the potential for Oman to increase its financial contributions to the WFP or to provide logistical support for its operations.