Omani FM makes calls to Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi

Bin Abdullah also phones Fatah central committee secretary-general Rajoub, emphasizes Gulf states' commitment to the Palestinian cause; tells Ashkenazi he supports 'just and lasting' Mideast peace
Reuters|
Oman's minister of state for foreign affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah spoke to Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and in a separate call to an official from the Palestinian political group Fatah, Oman's foreign ministry said on Monday.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter

  • Oman, which has maintained its neutrality in a turbulent region, has said it supports the United Arab Emirates' decision on Thursday to normalize ties with Israel.
    2 View gallery
    גבי אשכנזי יוסוף בן עלאווי
    גבי אשכנזי יוסוף בן עלאווי
    Oman's minister of state for foreign affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi
    (Photo: Roi Avraham, Shaul Golan)
    Speaking to Israeli counterpart Ashkenazi, Bin Abdullah said Oman supported a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East" and that negotiations on an Israel-Palestine peace process needed to resume.
    Bin Abdullah also spoke to Jibril Rajoub, secretary-general of the central committee of the Palestinian Fatah group, and emphasized the depth of Oman's relationship with Palestinians.
    2 View gallery
    ג'יבריל רג'וב וסאלח אל-עארורי
    ג'יבריל רג'וב וסאלח אל-עארורי
    Jibril Rajoub, secretary-general of the central committee of the Palestinian Fatah group
    (Photo: AFP)
    The U.S.-sponsored UAE-Israel deal has been seen as firming up opposition to regional power Iran, which Gulf states, Israel and the United States view as the main threat in the conflict-riven Middle East.
    Oman maintains friendly ties with a wide range of countries and organizations involved in the region including arch-foes the United States and Iran.
    Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen on Sunday said Oman, alongside Bahrain, could be the next Gulf country to follow the UAE in formalizing ties with Israel. Oman has made no comment on the subject.
    Comments
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    ""