Muscat: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, affirmed that the state visit undertaken by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom (UK) reflects the specificity of the historical relations and special ties between the two friendly countries. It gives the strategic partnership between them a renewed momentum that responds to the national priorities and the aspirations of future generations in both countries.
Sayyid Badr stated to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the strength of Omani-British relations lies in their capacity for renewal, as they are based on a solid friendship spanning over three centuries and derive their vitality from partnerships that respond to the changes of the era. His Majesty’s visit comes to affirm the keenness of both countries to make this legacy a foundation for joint action that develops capabilities, expands investment and innovation opportunities, and deepens the ties between the two peoples.
He added that the generous care these relations receive from His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty King Charles III, consolidates the friendship and mutual respect that unite the two countries.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that the visit carries within it, alongside its historical significance, strategic importance for the future and toward enhancing long-term cooperation between various institutions in the public and private sectors. It aims to develop mutual interests and benefits, and to continue consultation and the exchange of viewpoints regarding regional and international issues and global concerns, which helps in dealing effectively with all challenges.
Sayyid Badr added, "We view the strategic dimension of this relationship as a joint ability to connect expertise with opportunity, and knowledge with application, and to employ the capabilities possessed by both countries in building sustainable partnerships. What we look forward to is that the development of our relations reflects in tangible opportunities for education, employment, and investment, and that the new generation finds within them a space to contribute, innovate, and shape the future."
On the economic front, he pointed to the importance of developing mutual investments and enhancing cooperation in the fields of clean energy, advanced technologies, research, and innovation. This includes encouraging partnerships between business institutions and academic and research entities, thereby supporting the exchange and development of knowledge, and the development of future skills, industries, and their applications. This aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the growth priorities in both countries.
The Foreign Minister affirmed that educational, cultural, and human ties constitute one of the most important components of the sustainability of this relationship, given the mutual understanding and communication between generations they facilitate. He clarified that expanding cooperation between universities and cultural institutions, and developing opportunities for research, training, and knowledge exchange, grants youth, researchers, and innovators an increasing role in shaping the upcoming phase of the Omani-British partnership.
On the political front, Sayyid Badr clarified that mutual trust allows for a frank and constructive dialogue with the United Kingdom, and an exchange of visions regarding regional and international challenges. He affirmed the Sultanate of Oman's keenness to continue consultation and diplomatic action aimed at containing crises and tensions, and seeking the settlement of issues and disputes through constructive dialogue and the use of peaceful means, while respecting international law and the sovereignty of states, in order to consolidate and enhance security, stability, and peace.
The Foreign Minister concluded his statement by saying: "What gives our friendship its value is not merely its historical reach, but what we provide through it for the future. We look forward to the new generation being a partner in renewing this relationship and creating its opportunities, and for the cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom to remain a tributary for shared prosperity."