Omani Peace Efforts Lauded by King Charles on Sultan’s State Visit
LONDON: King Charles III on Tuesday praised Oman’s peacemaking efforts in the Middle East as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq launched the first state visit by an Omani ruler to the UK in almost half a century.
The British monarch praised long-standing diplomatic, military and royal relations at a Windsor Castle banquet honoring Muscat’s “noble efforts” to help reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
At a moment when conflict has returned so painfully to the region, I would particularly like to acknowledge Oman’s continued commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties, Charles told the roughly 160 attendees at the opulent dinner.
He said in a toast to the Omani sultan: “Oman’s role across the Gulf and her “constructive neutrality,” as you put it, matters far beyond Hormuz, and is worthy of our utmost respect.
The first state visit to Britain by an Omani sultan in 44 years takes place amid considerable upheaval in the Middle East caused by the US-Iran war.
Oman is a key UK military partner, borders the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, and has mediated negotiations between the United States and Iran since the issue erupted in late February.
Omani sultan set to hold meetings with PM Andy Burnham at Downing Street on Wednesday. Economic growth, security, defence, education: these are just some of the priorities we share in the face of an increasingly complicated world,” Burnham said in statements published by his office ahead of the meeting.
The two were due to sign an agreement to boost two-way investment between the two countries, expanding on an existing UK-Oman Sovereign Investment Partnership, Downing Street said.
They promised more investment across a broad range of essential industries, including renewable energy, technology, critical minerals, space, health care, and financial services.
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