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Diplomacy in Oslo: Regional Efforts for De-escalation and Multilateral Dialogue
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Al-Shibani took part in a high-level five-party meeting alongside his counterparts from Iran (Abbas Araghchi), Saudi Arabia (Faisal bin Farhan), Egypt (Badr Abdel Aaty), and Oman (Badr Al-Busaidi). The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Oslo Forum for Peace, convening this week in the town of Lørenskog near the Norwegian capital.
This ministerial gathering is seen as a crucial milestone in regional de-escalation efforts, amid growing tensions and ongoing initiatives led by Arab countries such as Oman, Egypt, and Qatar to bridge regional and international divides—particularly over the Iranian nuclear issue and rising regional conflicts.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Norway
On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Al-Shibani met with his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, to discuss the development of bilateral relations and cooperation in the fields of mediation and quiet diplomacy. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination and exchange of expertise, especially in light of global instability and increasing tensions among major powers.
Egyptian-Syrian Meeting with Saudi Mediation
The forum also witnessed a bilateral meeting between the Syrian and Egyptian foreign ministers, coordinated by Saudi Arabia. The two sides reviewed ways to remove obstacles hindering closer cooperation between Damascus and Cairo.
Both ministers stressed the need for continued consultation and the exchange of views on regional challenges, while reaffirming the rejection of military solutions to crises. Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdel Aaty reiterated the priority of a negotiated path between the U.S. and Iran on the nuclear issue, praising Oman’s mediation efforts and expressing support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and fostering regional understanding.
In a joint statement following a trilateral meeting with the Omani and Iranian foreign ministers, Abdel Aaty emphasized Egypt’s support for balanced regional dialogue and insisted on the need for political and diplomatic solutions to contentious issues, calling for coordinated efforts to enhance regional security and reduce tensions.
Discussing Chemical Weapons and Energy with Qatar
In a separate meeting, Al-Shibani met with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. They discussed ways to develop bilateral cooperation, particularly concerning the chemical weapons dossier, energy issues, and broader regional political and security challenges.
This meeting is part of a broader diplomatic movement taking place in Oslo, where several regional actors are working to reopen communication channels and revive stalled mediation initiatives through the forum, which annually brings together over 100 diplomats and international mediators.
Mediation in a Changing World
This year’s Oslo Forum for Peace is held under the theme: “All Hands on Deck: Mediation in a Changing World”, with the participation of prominent diplomats and mediators.
According to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, the forum comes at a time marked by major wars, increasing polarization, shifting alliances, and competition among global powers. The agenda includes discussions on ceasefire mechanisms, the role of informal channels, strengthening mediation efforts, and resolving political and security conflicts.
Media reports, including from Axios, suggest a possible indirect meeting between the U.S. and Iran in Oslo on Friday to discuss the nuclear issue, reflecting heightened international attention to this sensitive file and its implications for regional security.
