The first round of strategic dialogue between the Sultanate of Oman and the French Republic was held in Paris.

The Omani delegation was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, while the French delegation was headed by Martin Briens, Secretary General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The dialogue reflected the depth of the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries across various fields. It reviewed bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and investment sectors, energy security, culture, education and training, in a way that broadens the horizons of cooperation and advances it to more developed levels.

The two countries exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, foremost among them the current crisis in the Gulf region and its repercussions. They affirmed that the best way to overcome challenges and reach sustainable solutions lies in dialogue and diplomacy, noting the importance of the parties concerned returning to the negotiating table.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Oman and France signed an agreement on work permits for the spouses of official employees. This was signed for Oman by Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Political Undersecretary, and for France by Martin Briens, Secretary General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The dialogue was attended from Oman by Ambassador Mundhir bin Mahfoudh Al Mandhari, Head of the Europe Department at the Foreign Ministry, and Ahmed Bin Mohamed Bin Nasser Alaraimi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the French Republic. From France, the dialogue was attended by Nabil Hajlaoui, Ambassador of France to Oman, along with officials from both countries.