Oman, Brunei to elevate relations to strategic partnership

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam agreed to elevate relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam to a strategic partnership, serving as a fruitful framework to enhance bilateral relations by building on existing areas of cooperation and identifying new areas of mutual interest.
This was announced in a joint communique issued on the occasion of the state visit paid by His Majesty the Sultan to Brunei Darussalam.
Below is the full text of the joint statement: “Upon an invitation from Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, paid a state visit to Brunei Darussalam during the period from November 2 to 4. This state visit, the first-of-its-kind by a Sultan of Oman to Brunei Darussalam, marked a historic milestone in the deeply rooted brotherly relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam, which have continued to flourish since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on March 24, 1984.
Based on the close and solid ties between the two Royal Families, and stemming from their shared commitment to deepening all aspects of bilateral relations and expanding their horizons, both leaders agreed to elevate relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam to a strategic partnership.
Both leaders also agreed that the strategic partnership would serve as a fruitful framework to enhance bilateral relations by building on existing areas of cooperation, identifying new areas of mutual interest, and fostering close communication for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.
During the visit, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam conferred upon His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, the state decoration of Brunei Darussalam, the Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (D.K.M.B.)
Furthermore, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred upon the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam the Order of Al Said, the highest Omani order. Both leaders inaugurated the special Omani-Bruneian photographic exhibition titled 'Bridges Between the Two Sultanates' at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasures Hall (Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah) in Bandar Seri Begawan. The exhibition reflects the deep bonds of friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam, commemorating this historic state visit.
Both leaders exchanged views on the outstanding progress witnessed in bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both leaders noted the importance of maintaining close communication through existing bilateral mechanisms, including the bilateral consultation meetings held regularly. Both sides encouraged the continued enhancement of exchange and dialogue on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest within the framework of the strategic partnership.
Building upon this positive momentum, both leaders presided over the signing ceremony of several bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs).
Both leaders expressed their confidence that the signing of these agreements and MoUs will provide both countries with opportunities to exchange views, expertise, and best practices in relevant fields, thereby enhancing avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. Both leaders also exchanged views on various regional and international issues.
The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam expressed his appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, for its firm commitment and contributions to promoting peace, stability, and security through dialogue and diplomacy. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability through peaceful means in accordance with international law.
The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam expressed his appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, for accepting the invitation to visit Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik expressed his appreciation to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to His Majesty and the accompanying delegation. His Majesty reaffirmed the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to continuing to strengthen friendly relations and expand horizons of joint cooperation with Brunei Darussalam, extending a gracious invitation to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam to visit the Sultanate of Oman.” - ONA