Michael Fallon, British Secretary of State for Defence, valued the Sultanate’s role under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in reducing tension in the region. He also valued the country’s contributions in maintaining security and stability. In an exclusive interview with Oman News Agency (ONA) on the sidelines of his current visit to the Sultanate, the British Secretary of State for Defence affirmed that the Sultanate’s foreign policy in dealing with different issues has become obvious. He added that peacemakers such as the Sultanate exert sincere efforts to solve the thorny issues among different conflicting parties and bring them to the table of dialogue.
He said his current visit to the Sultanate was aimed at signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sultanate and the UK for the use of some facilities of Duqm Port to enhance cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. The British Defence Secretary affirmed that the MoU reflects the British commitment towards constructive cooperation with the Sultanate. He commended the remarkable progress in Duqm in general and its port in particular. He explained that his visit to the Sultanate is aimed at strengthening the existing bilateral relations between the two countries, affirming that the Sultanate and his country are bound by deep-rooted ties.
As for the cooperation between the Sultanate and the UK, he said the Royal Air Force of Oman (Rafo) recently received Eurofighter ‘Typhoon’ and ‘Hawk’ advanced jet trainer aircraft from the UK as a number of Omani pilots received training in the UK to handle these aircraft. He said the two sides agreed to provide the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) with a number of vessels.
He explained that the two countries will implement one of the biggest military exercises between the two sides with participation from all formations of the armed forces in the two countries. In addition to the Red Arrows, Britain’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will perform an aerobatic display over Muscat skies next September. As for Brexit, Michael Fallon said this step will enable Britain find new partnerships and sign new agreements outside Europe. — ONA
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