On January 12, 2009, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who is making a stopover in Oman en route to Africa, met with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on furthering China-Oman friendly cooperation. The two top diplomats agreed to maintain high-level visits and diversified communications between the two countries. China and Oman would tap the potential of economic cooperation, expand bilateral investment and trade and strengthen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, culture, education, health and other promising areas. They are also willing to witness further group cooperation between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

As for the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Yang said the Chinese government is deeply worried about the situation in the Gaza Strip, calling on the parties concerned to strike an immediate ceasefire. He also urged Israel to immediately withdraw its troops. China has always proposed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflicts be resolved through political negotiation on the basis of related UN resolutions, the "Land for Peace" principle, "the Arab Peace Initiative" and the "Road Map" plan, he said. China is ready to cooperate with the Arab countries including Oman and the international community to play a constructive role in settling the issue via political channels, the Chinese minister stressed.