Oman to reopen embassy in Baghdad after three decades absence

Oman plans to reopen its embassy in Iraq, three decades after the Gulf nation closed its diplomatic post, Oman's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

The sultanate closed its embassy in Iraq after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.

The embassy opening would "contribute to the development of relations between the two countries", the foreign ministry said on Twitter.

Baghdad had earlier signalled the move.

"Iraq sees this step reflecting keenness of our brothers in Oman to deepen the brotherly relations between the two countries," Foreign Minister Mohamed Alhakim said in a statement on Saturday.

Oman's warming ties with Iraq follow the opening of a new Saudi consulate in Baghdad last month, part of efforts by the Gulf states to counter Iranian influence in Iraq.

Despite enmity with Iran being spread across much of the Gulf region, Oman as retained close diplomatic ties with Iran.

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