An official reception ceremony was held at Les Invalides in Paris today for His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, on the occasion of His Majesty’s official visit to the French Republic.

As the motorcade of His Majesty the Sultan approached the palace courtyard, it was escorted by a group of motorbike outriders from the French Republican Guard. Upon His Majesty’s arrival at the square of Les Invalides, he was received by Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and General Loïc Mizon, Military Governor of Paris. The Commander of the Guard of Honour then gave a military salute, asking for His Majesty’s permission to commence the official reception protocols.

The Omani Royal Anthem and the French National Anthem were then played. His Majesty then proceeded to inspect the Guard of Honour, after which he shook hands with senior French government dignitaries present to receive him. The French Minister in turn greeted the official delegation accompanying His Majesty.