Omani Foreign Minister: Sultan Haitham's Visit to the UK Holds Strategic Importance for the Future

Muscat, October 21 (KUNA) -- Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi affirmed on Wednesday that Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s current state visit to the United Kingdom carries, in addition to its historical significance, “strategic importance for the future.” The Omani News Agency quoted the minister as saying that the visit aims to enhance long-term cooperation between various institutions in the public and private sectors, and to develop mutual interests and benefits between the two countries, while continuing consultations and exchanging views on regional and international issues and global concerns, thereby helping to effectively address all challenges.

He added, “We view the strategic dimension of this relationship as a shared capacity to link expertise with opportunity and knowledge with application, and to leverage the capabilities of both countries in building sustainable partnerships.” He expressed hope that the development of ties between the two countries would translate into tangible opportunities in education, work, and investment, and provide a space for the new generation to innovate and shape the future.

The minister emphasized that the strength of Omani-British relations lies in their ability to renew themselves, noting that they are rooted in a solid friendship spanning more than three centuries, and derive their vitality from strategic partnerships that respond to the changes of the times, reflecting the uniqueness of the historical relations and special ties between the two countries.

On the political dimension of relations, Al Busaidi stated that mutual trust between the two countries enables “frank and constructive dialogue with the United Kingdom and an exchange of perspectives on regional and international challenges.” He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to continuing consultations and diplomatic efforts aimed at containing crises and tensions, seeking resolutions to issues and disputes through constructive dialogue and peaceful means, respecting international law and state sovereignty, thereby consolidating and enhancing security, stability, and peace.

On the economic front, he stressed the importance of developing mutual investments and enhancing cooperation in the fields of clean energy, advanced technologies, research, and innovation, as well as encouraging partnerships between business entities and academic and research institutions. Such efforts would support the exchange and development of knowledge, enhance skills, and foster future industries and their applications, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the growth priorities of both countries.

Regarding educational, cultural, and people-to-people ties, the minister pointed out that they constitute one of the key pillars for the sustainability of this relationship, as they foster mutual understanding and intergenerational connectivity. He explained that expanding cooperation between universities and cultural institutions, and developing opportunities for research, training, and knowledge exchange, “gives young people, researchers, and innovators an increasingly prominent role in shaping the next phase of Omani-British partnership.”

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in the United Kingdom on Monday for a state visit, in response to an invitation from British monarch King Charles III. This marks the first visit of this level by an Omani sultan to the UK since 1982, when the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

It is worth noting that the roots of official Omani-British relations date back to 1798, when the first cooperation agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and Britain was signed, before being strengthened by a Treaty of Friendship in 1800. (End) M.J.B / M.K