HM receives message from French President

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received a written message from President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. The message deals with the good historical relations and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The message was received by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, when he received Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic.
During the meeting, they reviewed the relations between the two countries, emphasising the mutual commitment to enhancing existing cooperation in various fields to serve mutual interests, particularly in economic and commercial areas. They focused on developing partnerships in the field of renewable energy, tourism projects and infrastructure, such as the transport sector, in addition to deepening cultural and civilisational communication between the two peoples.
The meeting was attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, and Nabil Hajlaoui, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Sultanate of Oman, along with a number of officials from both sides.
Meanwhile, Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, received in his office on Tuesday Nicolas Forissier, French Minister Delegate for Foreign and Economic Attractiveness, and his accompanying delegation. The visit aims to bolster economic cooperation and explore new partnership avenues between the two countries.
During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing bilateral trade and expanding mutual investments. They also underscored the importance of revitalising negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), a step seen as crucial for boosting trade flows and facilitating market access for businesses.
The ministers reviewed the current state of economic cooperation and identified promising areas for future collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. They also explored opportunities for Omani participation in key French-hosted economic forums, such as the 'Gulf Vision Forum', which serves as a significant platform for promoting cross-border investment.
In a separate expanded session, Al Yousef met with representatives of French companies under the banner of the 'MEDEF' business federation. Discussions focused on investment prospects within the Sultanate of Oman, with the French delegation outlining their activities in sectors including modern technology, infrastructure, industry and services.
Al Yousef affirmed the positive trajectory of Omani-French relations, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening cooperation across economic and investment spheres. He highlighted that the priority sectors outlined in Oman Vision 2040 present substantial opportunities for French companies, underpinned by a supportive regulatory framework and attractive investment incentives.
Trade between Oman and France grew by 33.5% in the first half of 2025, reaching RO 49 million. Furthermore, by the end of October 2025, the number of companies with French equity participation operating in Oman stood at 207. - ONA