Oman reaffirms joining Saudi-led military coalition

The Omani Foreign Ministry said Thursday the decision of the country to join the Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism falls within the context of the common understanding of the Islamic countries.
In a statement published by the Omani News Agency on Thursday, the government said: “The statement affirmed that the Sultanate’s joining the Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism comes within the common understanding of the Islamic countries and in particular the role and leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also comes within the context of the importance to achieve peace, security and stability in the regions dominated by armed terrorist violence.”
The statement also said that “the Sultanate of Oman, as it has always been, will join hands with brothers and friends to ensure a regional environment characterized by security and peace at a stage which requires the cooperation of all parties to achieve these goals.”
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and defense minister, has received a letter from his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Saud Al-Busaidi, minister responsible for defense affairs, announcing Oman’s decision to join the Islamic military alliance to combat terrorism, according to the statement.
The message was handed over by Sayyid Ahmed bin Hilal bin Saud Al-Busaidi, the Sultanate’s ambassador in Saudi Arabia.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation to Oman’s leadership for its support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts in combating terrorism.
Earlier, Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that the alliance would operate under UN and OIC provisions on terrorism, which affirms the “right of states to self-defense.”
Oman is now the 41st country to join the coalition, which was unveiled by Riyadh in December 2015.

Source: Arab News