Oman international military cooperation expansion

Oman has engaged in high-level discussions with international partners to strengthen its military and security cooperation.

In early September, a delegation from India’s National Defence College met with Oman’s Chief of Staff in Muscat to enhance academic and training collaboration. Following this, Oman and the United States held the 18th meeting of the Joint Military Committee in Washington, D.C. Led by Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, and Michael Demino, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle Eastern Affairs, the meeting focused on mutual defense coordination and political and security cooperation. Dr. Al Zaabi also traveled to Arizona to strengthen existing partnership programs with local officials. This engagement builds upon a 2019 agreement regarding the use of Omani ports and airports, such as the Port of Duqm, and a strategic dialogue established in 2022 to address regional issues.

Additionally, Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis al-Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, met with Major General Mohammed bin Saeed al-Mughidi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), in Oman. The discussions centered on developing a partnership in counter-terrorism, capacity building, and expertise exchange. The IMCTC delegation also visited the Oman Maritime Security Center to receive briefings on monitoring maritime situations, ensuring navigation safety, and addressing cross-border crimes to protect sea lanes. During the visit, the Secretary-General outlined the coalition's initiatives across four pillars: intellectual, media, military, and combating the financing of terrorism. Discussions also included the role of the coalition's initiative funding fund in supporting strategic programs for member states.