The centuries-old relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab Republic of Egypt have been characteristically warm and unique.
The relations derive their strength from the historical dimension and the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries on various political, economic, strategic and cultural levels.
The two-day visit of President Abdel Fattah al Sisi to the Sultanate of Oman stems from the keenness of the leadership in the two countries. It will consolidate the firm fraternal relations between the two countries, boosting cooperation and developing ties in an atmosphere of affection and unity.
The visit is especially important as it is the second visit of El Sisi since he took office in June 2014. The first visit was on February 4, 2018, when he met late Sultan Qaboos.
During the current meeting, the President is expected to hold talks with officials on a number of issues of joint interest that will serve the people of both countries. The visit is also expected to give further fillip to the personal relations between the leaderships, which have always been a role model in the royal and republican covenants.
In January, the Egyptian President had sent a message to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to underscore his country’s firm position in supporting the security and stability of the Gulf and Arab countries.
The relations are characterised by the historical link between the two great civilisations and wrapped in the bonds of Arab brotherhood, friendship and love. History shows that the Sultanate of Oman was a link between the civilisations of the Nile Valley and Mesopotamia on the one hand and the civilisation of the Indus valley on the other, having a strong association with Egyptian civilisation.
This has resulted in extensive political, strategic, social and cultural relations after the establishment of modern Oman.
The Sultanate of Oman-Egypt ties provide a good model of relations between the brotherly countries and form the basis of mutual appreciation and share the concern for everything that serves stability in the region. Thus the relations represent an important focal point in the political and Arab arena as the two countries always seek a policy of resolving differences on the principle of dialogue and negotiation.
At the Arab political level, the relations are the cornerstone as they reflect on the policies that have been conducted in solving all differences through negotiations and dialogue. Both countries call for peace and stability on the international and regional scales, provided not abandoning any of the Arab rights in general and the Palestinians’ in particular.
Official meetings between the two countries denote the desire of the two governments to invest such distinguished relations in activating the existing bilateral cooperation.
Muscat and Cairo have an identical stance on providing maximum support to the struggle of the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights.
Officials from both countries also meet constantly to review and activate the commercial relations between the two countries within the framework of the Great Arab trade agreement. Oman considers Egypt as an important channel for export to the neighbouring African countries. Omani products could also benefit from the Egyptian market to access COMESA trade group comprising 21 countries.
In January this year, the Omani-Egyptian Joint Business Council held its fifteenth session in Muscat. The Omani side was headed by Sayyid Badr al Busaidy, Foreign Minister of Oman and Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, with the participation of a number of senior officials from the two brotherly countries.
The two sides affirmed to move forward in working to strengthen the bilateral cooperation process in all areas of cooperation, including political, security, economic, commercial, industrial, judicial, developmental, educational, media, labour and social development cooperation.
They also affirmed to move forward in opening new horizons for them to achieve the aspirations of their leadership and the hopes and aspirations of their two brotherly peoples.
The Council also proposed to establish a joint investment fund as well as a joint investment company in Egypt to serve as an umbrella for businessmen of the two countries to provide investment facilities and financial support.
According to Egypt’s Minister of Trade, Nevine Gamea, trade exchange between Egypt and the Sultanate of Oman reached about $500 million by the end of 2021. Omani investments in the Egyptian market amount to $77.5 million, distributed among 92 companies in the fields of industry, tourism, construction and agriculture.
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