Speeches given by His Majesty during state visit to Spain

The following are the texts of three speeches delivered by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik during his state visit to Spain from November 3-5, 2025.

On November 4, 2025, His Majesty addressed the Spanish Senate and Congress in the main hall of the Senate Building in Madrid.

His Majesty said:

“We are greatly honoured to have this opportunity to address your esteemed Council, comprising both the Senate and the Congress of Deputies, which represent the friendly Spanish people whom we hold in high esteem and deep respect for their noble stances on the many issues facing the world. We value our historic friendship, built on mutual respect and fruitful cooperation — a friendship that has proven its strength over time and grown ever more solid, qualifying it for greater advancement.

“Since our arrival in your beautiful country, we have been warmly welcomed by the Spanish people — something that comes as no surprise, for Spain has long engaged with all civilisations in a remarkable spirit reflected in its sciences, arts and preserved historical landmarks, which it has turned into a rich cultural heritage visited by millions of tourists.

“Our visit also reflects the strength of the relationship that personally binds us with His Majesty the King of Spain and highlights the close ties between the Omani and Spanish peoples — relations we are eager to deepen and expand across all political, economic, commercial and cultural fields.

“In every nation, representative councils — whatever their names — play a central role in advancing national development. They serve as the link between government and society, uphold the rule of law and legislation, and promote public participation in decision-making, thereby ensuring balanced development and reinforcing cooperation between citizens and state institutions.

“In the Sultanate of Oman, we have made clear strides in various areas of life and look forward to continuing our constructive cooperation with your nation, which has achieved impressive progress and prosperity. During this visit, we will have the opportunity to discuss future areas of cooperation between our two countries at both governmental and private levels, aspiring to move forward in a way that serves the interests of our peoples.”

Later on November 4, 2025, His Majesty addressed the Madrid City Council in the Council Hall after the Deputy Mayor presented him with the Key of Madrid as a symbol of respect and appreciation.

His Majesty delivered a speech, as follows:

“We receive from you the key to this magnificent city with gratitude and appreciation, valuing your sincere sentiments towards us and towards our country, the Sultanate of Oman. This gracious gesture from you is a clear indication that your capital, and your country as a whole, welcomes everyone. Madrid remains a destination for tourists, writers, thinkers, and artists from all over the world, drawn by its rich history, unique architecture, excellent services, and captivating beauty.

“We have been impressed by your local governance system in which you play a central role. You lead the local government and administration as the executive authority overseeing the daily operations of this great city.

“We look forward to strengthening relations between the magnificent city of Madrid and Muscat, the capital of our country. We have great hope that this will lead to shared benefits from the experiences of both cities in various fields and contribute to further developing and deepening the relations between our two nations.”

In the evening of November 4, 2025, His Majesty was the guest of honour at an official dinner hosted by the King and Queen of Spain at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

After a formal welcome speech from His Majesty King Felipe VI, His Majesty delivered a speech as follows:

“It gives us great pleasure to be in your esteemed country, the Kingdom of Spain, which has long served as a cultural and human bridge linking East and West, and as a centre of intellectual diversity and cultural enlightenment. As we visit Your Majesty, we feel the warmth of friendship between us and deeply appreciate the generosity and gracious hospitality extended to us—an expression of the noble character of the Spanish people and the deep historical ties between our two countries.

“Oman–Spain relations are not a product of the moment; they are founded on a long heritage of cultural exchange and mutual respect. Over the past decades, these ties have been strengthened through bilateral visits and constructive cooperation across various fields.

“This visit represents an historic opportunity to celebrate the long-standing and cordial relations between our two countries. It also reaffirms our personal commitment and direct support for developing these relations, which have witnessed rapid growth in recent years in the economic, trade, and investment sectors.

“Accompanying me on this visit are several ministers concerned with these areas, who are exploring further opportunities for cooperation between our two nations.

“In the Sultanate of Oman, we believe that dialogue and openness to cultures and civilisations are the only path towards building a world founded on greater understanding, stability, and cooperation. Throughout its history, the Kingdom of Spain has been a shining example of such openness — a destination for scholars, artists, writers, and thinkers from all corners of the world. Your country has long been a beacon of knowledge and learning that has contributed greatly to shaping the features of human civilisation.

“Our partnership is clearly reflected in the shared values, mutual understanding, and deep respect that unite us. We are pleased to express our appreciation for Spain’s role as a leading political power in Europe and in the global economy, as well as for its contribution to promoting peace and justice.”

“Looking to the future, and in light of our shared commitment to international principles, we hope to work together to address global challenges. We also reaffirm our keenness to open broader horizons for trade and investment cooperation, as well as for cultural and intellectual exchange, and to encourage dialogue between peoples — all of which will help build a more prosperous and tolerant future for generations to come.

“We sincerely thank you for the warm welcome we have received, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Sultanate of Oman so that we may continue our constructive dialogue and further strengthen the bonds of cooperation between our two countries.

“We extend our sincere wishes to the friendly Spanish people for continued progress and prosperity, and to our relations for ever greater strength and growth.”