Oman helps secure release of Indian priest in Yemen
• Oman’s chief diplomat meets with his Iranian and Indian counterparts, as well as with Yemen’s internationally recognized president in New York
• To boost tourism, Omani officials ease rules for Chinese, Indian, and Russian nationals to obtain visas
September 11
Oman helps secure release of Indian priest kidnapped in Yemen
Oman’s state news agency reported that Omani officials had helped coordinate with “Yemeni parties” the release of Tom Uzhunnalil, a priest from India who was abducted in Yemen last year. It is not clear which faction held Uzhunnalil in Yemen.
September 23
Yemen’s internationally recognized president receives Oman’s top diplomat in New York
The President of Yemen, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, received Oman’s chief diplomat, Yusuf bin Alawi, at the Yemeni leader’s residence in New York for a meeting on recent developments in the Yemeni crisis.
September 24
Oman’s top diplomat meets with his Iranian and Indian counterparts in New York
At the Permanent Mission of the Sultanate in New York, Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf bin Alawi, met with Iran’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Jawad Zarif, and India’s Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj. The three discussed strengthening relations between Oman, Iran, and India, specifically in the energy sector, among others. Muscat’s chief diplomat expressed Oman’s continued interest in finding more ways for the Sultanate to benefit from Iran’s gas. All three officials voiced their strong support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
September 25
Qatari and Omani economy ministers open ‘Opex 2017’
At the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, economy ministers from Qatar and Oman opened the second installment of Opex, the Omani Products Exhibition. The ministers expressed optimism about the future growth of Doha-Muscat trade.
September 30
Oman loosens rules for Chinese, Indian, and Russian nationals to obtain visas
Officials in Muscat announced that the Sultanate will permit certain citizens from China, India, and Russia to acquire a non-sponsored tourist visa. These applicants must already reside and/or have an entry visa to a handful of Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
