His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Andy Burnham, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), held a bilateral meeting in London at 10 Downing Street, The Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting reviewed relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom and the how to enhance them in the pursuit of mutual interests.

Andy Burnham delivered the following remarks:

“Your Majesty, you are very welcome indeed to Downing Street for our first face-to-face meeting. I am extremely pleased to be with you on this historic occasion of the state visit of Oman.

“I am delighted to be with you on this historic occasion, your State Visit.

“I greatly enjoyed your speech and His Majesty the King’s speech at the dinner held last night at Windsor Castle.

“What emerges clearly is the depth of the historical ties between us. We are among your oldest friends and have worked with you for centuries. This is a firmly established tradition on which our relations are founded.

“In the modern world and as we look to the future, we can cooperate in technology, defence and security, as well as in culture.

“We share many connections at different levels. Our bilateral trade is worth approximately £1.7 billion and I am certain we agree that this figure can be increased further.

“I hope this will be one of the outcomes of your State Visit to the United Kingdom.

“Before we have the pleasure of hearing from Your Majesty again, I would like to add one further point. The difficulty of the current situation in the Middle East is clear to everyone.

“Everyone can see the considerable efforts that Your Majesty, your Government and the Omani people are making to find solutions, build partnerships and help ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened to trade.

“During this visit, I would like to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s appreciation for your country and for all the efforts you have made under extremely difficult circumstances.

“I would also like to reaffirm that you can count on our continued support and cooperation.”

His Majesty also delivered remarks, expressing his sincere thanks to the British Prime Minister:

“Thank you very much, Prime Minister. It is a genuine pleasure to be with you again in Downing Street and I am delighted to be making this wonderful official visit.

“This visit takes place in the context of our relations with Britain. Our relations are deeply rooted in history and many areas of cooperation between Oman and Britain are progressing extremely well.

“My presence here forms part of our continuing efforts to strengthen these relations. Together, we have embarked on a path of long-term cooperation and I am confident that we will achieve considerable success in the years ahead.

“As you noted, the current situation is somewhat difficult and has remained so for almost two years. Oman has played an important role in everything we have been able to achieve and in everything we may accomplish in the future.

“We always hope that matters will return to normal and we are working towards that goal.

“We share close relations with Britain and remain in constant contact to coordinate our actions and support one another. I am therefore pleased to express my thanks and appreciation for the opportunity to attend this historic meeting.”

His Majesty the Sultan and the British Prime Minister then chaired an expanded session of talks.

The session reviewed fields of cooperation and the existing partnership between the two countries and the pathways for advancing and developing them across all sectors, in fulfilment of the two countries’ aspirations for greater progress and prosperity.

It also addressed developments in the regional and international arenas in light of current events and their repercussions for the security of the region, affirming the importance of intensifying coordination and uniting international efforts to contain crises and support endeavours aimed at establishing peace and reinforcing security and stability.

The session of talks was attended  by the official delegation accompanying His Majesty the Sultan, along with British Ministers and senior officials.

Following the conclusion of the session, His Majesty wrote a message in the visitors’ book, in which he expressed his delight at this visit, wishing the relations between the two countries continued progress and growth in fulfilment of shared objectives.