Foreign
Minister: HM’s Visit to UK Boosts Momentum of Strategic Partnership

Muscat,
21 Oct 2026 (ONA) — 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.”

—Ends/AG