The 18th meeting of the UAE-Oman Higher Joint Committee which concluded today in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, discussed issues that directly affect citizens and expatriates in both countries including movement of people and goods on the borders.

The two-day event was the result of strong relations between the UAE and Oman and arose from the sincere desire of both sides to have more constructive co-operation based on the interests of the two countries under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman.

The UAE side was led by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, while Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al-Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court led the Omani side.

The committee reviewed the issues on the agenda of the meeting and took the appropriate decisions, especially topics that have direct attention of the citizens and expatriate residents of the two countries such as facilitating measures at border crossing points.

In order to activate this, the two sides formed a committee to follow up on issues of concern, including finding the necessary mechanisms that help to streamline the movement of individuals and goods.

At the end of the meeting, Sheikh Mansour and Sayyid Khalid signed the minutes of the meeting. Sheikh Mansour expressed his satisfaction at the results achieved by the committee which has the support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos who are keen on enhancing work and co-ordination in all fields.

Sheikh Mansour was seen off by Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al-Busaidi and a number of Omani officials The UAE delegation included Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy; Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development; Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council; Fares Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the General Authority of Ports Border and Free Zones Authority; Ali Al Kaabi, Head of the Federal Customs Authority; Mohammad Juma; Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, Under-Secretary of the Interior Ministry; Mohammad Juma Nasser Buossaiba, Director-General of the UAE Federal Customs Authority, and Mohammed Sultan Saif Al-Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman.