The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Maritime Security Centre (MSC), signed the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy in the fields of maritime security, at Al Murtafa’a Camp.

The Memorandum was signed on the Omani side by Rear Admiral Saif Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman and Chairman of the Maritime Security Committee, and on the Indian side by Prashant Pise, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Sultanate of Oman.

The Memorandum aims to sustain joint cooperation between the two friendly countries and to exchange expertise in the fields of maritime security in order to maintain the safety of maritime navigation, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

In another development, Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, received Tuesday at his office Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, UK Defence Senior Advisor for Middle East and North Africa Affairs and his accompanying delegation. The meeting comes within the context of the official visit the delegation is paying to the Sultanate of Oman.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on areas of cooperation and discussed a set of topics of mutual interest. The meeting also addressed the latest developments on the regional and international arenas.

For his part, Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) also received the visiting UK Defence Senior Advisor for Middle East and North Africa Affairs. The meeting discussed various military topics and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.

Lastly, a parliamentary delegation from the United Kingdom (UK), headed by Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the British House of Commons and Labour Member of Parliament, visited Wednesday the Maritime Security Centre (MSC).

Upon arrival at the Centre’s headquarters, the delegation was received by Commodore Abdullah Ali Al Hajri, Head of the Maritime Security Centre.

The visiting delegation listened to a briefing reviewing the roles, tasks, and responsibilities of the Centre, as well as the efforts exerted in preserving the safety of the maritime environment and protecting it within territorial waters, thereby enhancing the maritime security and safety system.

The delegation also toured the Maritime Security Centre and viewed its facilities, equipment, and modern technologies and systems, reflecting the level of readiness and efficiency in executing its assigned tasks and responsibilities.