Qatar PM moves to advance Hormuz dialogue

Muscat consultations focus on future navigation and maritime services

LONDON/DUBAI:

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Oman on Wednesday for talks aimed at launching negotiations on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a diplomat familiar with the discussions.

The proposed talks, which are separate from the ongoing Swiss-based US-Iran peace negotiations and de-mining arrangements, are expected to focus on the future operation of one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

The talks will involve Iran, Iraq and other Gulf Arab states. The diplomat said the Arab states were likely to press for a continuation of toll-free transit through the strait, while Iran could seek environmental, navigation and security-related fees.

The initiative appears to be part of the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last week, which called for Iran to engage with Oman, Gulf Arab states and Iraq on the future administration of navigation and maritime services in Hormuz.

The diplomat said that Pakistan had been proposed as a mediator for the negotiations, adding that separate plans are also under discussion for broader regional reconciliation talks to be held in Riyadh involving Iran, Gulf Arab states and potentially other countries from the region.

Earlier on Wednesday, Oman announced two temporary maritime routes north and south of the existing shipping lane in Hormuz to facilitate safe departure of vessels from the region. The measures were introduced in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). REUTERS