United States and Oman convene the inaugural meeting of the subcommittee on Environmental Affairs

The United States and Oman held the inaugural meeting of the Subcommittee on Environmental Affairs (Subcommittee) on February 19-20, 2024 under the United States–Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the fourth meeting of the Joint Forum on Environmental Cooperation (Joint Forum) under the United States–Oman Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation (MOU).

The Subcommittee, chaired by Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources Tim Wedding, reviewed the progress made by Oman and the United States in ensuring effective implementation of, and compliance with, the obligations in the Environment Chapter of the FTA. The Joint Forum, chaired by Department of State Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer Littlejohn, discussed future environmental cooperation under the 2024-2027 Plan of Action, which establishes a robust list of priorities for cooperative activities between the U.S. and Oman (the Parties).

The United States and Oman exchanged information and views regarding efforts to tackle the climate crisis; strengthen marine species conservation, including through combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and implementing the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement; circular economy approaches, including waste management and plastic pollution; and combating wildlife trafficking and supporting the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The Subcommittee and Joint Forum held a public session on February 20th, which included participants from civil society. The public session reflects both countries’ commitment to maintaining an open dialogue and participatory process. Both Parties provided updates regarding implementation of the Environment Chapter of the FTA and ongoing and future environmental cooperation under the MOU. The session provided an opportunity for members of the public to offer comments and ask questions.