Bangladesh-Oman Bilateral Relations
The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Sultanate of Oman are traditionally warm, cordial and friendly. The Sultanate recognized Bangladesh after the Independence of Bangladesh in the 1970s. Oman was one of the first Arab countries to extend support to Bangladesh’s membership at the UN and other international organizations. Bangladesh established its diplomatic representation in Muscat in March 1983 at the level of Charge d’ Affairs. Bangladesh upgraded its mission in Oman in 1995 at the level of Ambassador. Ever since the two brotherly countries have been maintaining close contact and cordial relations. Currently, there are more than six hundred thousand Bangladeshi workers and professionals working in different sectors in Oman.
The cordial and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Oman were further strengthened by some high-level visits from both sides. Omani Minister of Manpower visited Bangladesh in December 2007 and Bangladesh Adviser (i.e., Minister) for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment (who was also in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) paid a return visit in May 2008) and signed an MoU in the field of manpower. Subsequently, Bangladesh and Oman also signed agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income Derived from International Transport. Foreign Minister H.E. Dipu Moni visited Oman in 2012.
The Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Md. Shahriar Alam, MP paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on 4-7 April 2015. During the visit, the Hon’ble State Minister met with several dignitaries in the Sultanate, including Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior H.E. Mr. Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Manpower H.E. Mr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah Al Bakri and Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry H.E. Mr. Saeed bin Saleh Al Kiyumi.
1st Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Oman: The MOU to hold Regular Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and Oman was signed on 04 April 2015 by the Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman during the visit of the Hon’ble State Minister to Oman. The first ever FOC between Bangladesh and Oman was convened on the virtual platform on 08 June 2021 in view of the long-standing Covid-19 pandemic. Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary), Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Bangladesh delegation while H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Undersecretary of Diplomatic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman led the delegation from Oman in the FOC.
Existing Bilateral Agreements & MOUs: The two countries have signed the following agreements/MOUs:
- Air Services Agreement between Bangladesh and Oman (signed on 30 April 1987)
- MOU between Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muscat and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh (signed on 30 April 2002)
- Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income Derived from International Transport (signed on 10 May 2008)
- MOU on cooperation in the field of Manpower (signed on 10 May 2008)
- The MOU to Hold Regular Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and Oman (signed on 04 April 2015).
- Agreement between Bangladesh and Oman on the Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Special and Service Passports (signed 24 March 2022)
