Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi has said that the State visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom reflects the special nature of the historic relations and close ties between the two friendly countries. He noted that the visit gives renewed momentum to their strategic partnership, in line with national priorities and the aspirations of future generations in both countries.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency, Sayyid Badr said the strength of Omani British relations lies in their ability to renew themselves. They are founded on an enduring friendship spanning more than three centuries and draw vitality from partnerships that respond to the changing needs of the times., he added.

The State visit reaffirms both countries’ commitment to building on this legacy through joint efforts to develop capabilities, expand investment and innovation opportunities and deepen ties between their peoples, he went on.

He added that the gracious patronage of His Majesty and King Charles III further consolidates the bonds of friendship and mutual appreciation between the two countries.

The Minister noted that, beyond its historical significance, the visit carries strategic importance for the future. It aims to strengthen long term cooperation between public and private sector institutions, develop shared interests and mutual benefits and continue consultations and the exchange of views on regional and international issues and global concerns, helping both countries effectively address the challenges they face.

“We view the strategic dimension of this relationship as a shared ability to connect expertise with opportunity, knowledge with practical application and the capabilities of both countries with the development of sustainable partnerships. We hope that the progress in our relations will translate into tangible opportunities in education, employment and investment, and that the younger generation will find opportunities to contribute, innovate and shape the future,” he said.

On the economic front, the Minister highlighted the importance of expanding mutual investments and strengthening cooperation in clean energy, advanced technologies, research and innovation. He also underscored the need to encourage partnerships between businesses, academic institutions and research bodies to support knowledge exchange and development, build skills, develop future industries and their applications, and advance the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the growth priorities of both countries.

Sayyid Badr affirmed that educational, cultural and people to people ties are among the most important foundations for sustaining the relationship, as they foster mutual understanding and communication between generations. He explained that expanding cooperation between universities and cultural institutions and developing opportunities for research, training and knowledge exchange would enable young people, researchers and creative professionals to play a greater role in shaping the next phase of the Omani British partnership.

On the political front, he noted that mutual trust enables frank and constructive dialogue with the United Kingdom and the exchange of perspectives on regional and international challenges. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to continued consultations and diplomatic efforts aimed at containing crises and tensions, seeking to resolve disputes and differences through constructive dialogue and peaceful means, and respecting international law and state sovereignty, thereby consolidating and strengthening security, stability and peace.

The Minister concluded his statement by saying: “What gives our friendship its value is not merely its historical longevity, but also what we can make possible for the future through it. We look forward to seeing the younger generation become a partner in renewing this relationship and creating new opportunities, and to ensuring that cooperation between Oman and the United Kingdom continues to contribute to shared prosperity.”